35 cities of the world that are breathtaking in the photo, but in real life they can upset

Ah, Paris! A city shrouded in a haze of romance, where all lovers dream of visiting, the capital of world fashion, art, and baguettes. The Champs Elysees, the Louvre, French champagne, Notre Dame Cathedral ... The sights of Paris can be listed endlessly. And everyone has heard of them.

Getting to know Paris based on little-known facts

But some things are unknown or little known to the general public. For example, that more dogs live in Paris than children, or that the shortest street is less than 6 meters long.

We at Bemorepanda thought you might be interested in learning more about the French capital. We have compiled a list of 45 interesting facts that will give you a better idea of this European city.

1. Tom Cruise could have been made an honorary citizen of Paris, but his candidacy was rejected

Due to Cruz's association with Scientology and what many considered him to be the leader of the cult, the Paris authorities voted against it in 2005.

Our reference: Scientology is the belief that the spiritual essence of a person exists separately from his body and can live several lives. This religious movement appeared in the middle of the 20th century.

2. Counting trees is an official job in Paris

A man counts all the trees in Paris and gets paid for it; how do you like such a job? There are already 484,000 trees officially registered, and more are planned to be planted in the coming years. Paris is currently among the cities in Europe with the highest forest cover.

By the way, 222 trees in Paris are remarkable either for their beauty or fantastic shape, their history or rarity. For example, in the Parc du Champ-de-Mars, the oriental plane tree (Platanus orientalis, L.) grows, which is distinguished by its age (planted in 1814) and an unusual cluster of 6 trunks.

3. There are 450 parks and gardens in Paris

Parisians are picnic lovers, which explains why the city has 450 parks and gardens scattered throughout the city. However, there are many parks and squares in Paris,

In particular, the Luxembourg Gardens, in addition to vegetation, is notable because there are 106 statues and three fountains.

4. There are more dogs in Paris than children.

In Paris they love dogs very much, there are more of them in the city than children. There are about 300,000 dogs in Paris or one for every seven people and every two children (out of a population of 2.1 million).

As a result, here.

Parisians value their dogs as much as their free time, which is why dogs accompany their owners to places that the rest of the world reserves only for people: restaurants, shops, and public transport. Wherever the Parisian goes, the dog too... well, almost.

Ironically, dogs are banned from most city parks and green spaces—perhaps one of the reasons why they are accepted almost everywhere.

5. There are five Statues of Liberty in Paris

Many people will find it strange that there are several replicas of the Statues of Liberty in Paris, given that the most famous of them are located in New York, USA.

The Statue of Liberty is one of the attractions in New York and the whole USA. The fact that there are five authentic models of the Statue of Liberty in Paris is explained by the fact that it was a joint Franco-American project dedicated to the friendship of the two peoples.

6. A Boldini painting was found in a Parisian apartment that had been locked up for over half a century.

The apartment in Paris was locked up for about 70 years. Someone was paying rent for it every month, and when the tenant died, a painting by Giovanni Boldini worth over $2 million was found inside.

The background of this find is as follows: in 1942, a young Parisian woman, fearing persecution by the Nazis, fled to the south of France, leaving behind a luxurious apartment in Paris, to which she never returned. Seventy years later, this hidden treasure trove of art and antiques was finally discovered for the first time.

The painting is a portrait of Giovanni Boldini's muse, Martha de Florian. The famous Parisian socialite and actress are pictured wearing a beautiful revealing pink muslin gown. The painting was painted in 1888 when de Florian was only 24 years old.

But the most exciting thing is that it turns out the deceased owner of this apartment was none other than the granddaughter of Marthe de Florian. It was from the love notes, and letters between de Florian and Boldini found in the apartment that the woman in the painting was identified.

7. There is a law about the exact recipe for making baguettes.

You'll need to follow the 1993 decree. For bread to be recognized as a Parisian baguette, it must meet specific size requirements and have a sure dough consistency.

8. Paris was originally a Roman city called Lutetia.

In 52 BC, Roman traders operating along the river seized control of Parisia and changed the name to Lutetia. These are just a few of the many intriguing variations of the name of Paris.

9. The first photograph of people was taken in Paris

This intriguing little thing about Paris, France, first appeared in 1838. The picture shows the boulevard Temple; in the left corner, a man shines his shoes.

10. Notre Dame is considered the zero point of Paris

If you visit the area, you can find a miniature compass in the concrete in front of Notre Dame Cathedral. This place is in the center of Paris because it is zero point.

This small geographical marker judges the distance from Paris to all other places.

The Paris Zero Point - one of the so-called "zero kilometers" around the world - marks the supposedly exact center of a city or country. All other locations are considered to be measured as the distance emanating from that point.

11. It is forbidden to distribute night images of the Eiffel Tower.

Distribution means that the publication and sale of these images are prohibited. However, posting these images on social media is entirely legal.

A small clarification: taking pictures of the Eiffel Tower at night is not at all forbidden if it concerns any ordinary person. But for professionals, the situation is different.

The Eiffel Tower lighting and twinkling lights are copyrighted, so professional use of images of the Eiffel Tower at night requires prior permission and may incur fees.

Therefore, professionals should contact the management company of the Eiffel Tower to inquire about the terms of use of images depending on the case.

12. Paris has an underground city.

Paris is undeniably a beautiful city, but it also boasts an entire city beneath it, known as the Paris Underground City, or catacombs. Nevertheless, it is a grim place where the remains of more than 6 million Parisians are kept.

13. Paris is not the largest French-speaking city in the world.

The capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa, is the rightful holder of this title. Paris has a population of over 2 million, while Kinshasa has over 12 million people who use French as their official language.

14. It will take you about 144 days to see the entire Louvre

To be more precise, it would take at least 200 days to see everything in the Louvre. Given the magnificence of the Louvre exhibits, more than this time is needed because it would require standing in front of each of them for only 30 seconds.

This is even though the Louvre Museum contains more than 380,000 exhibits and displays 35,000 works of art in eight curatorial departments.

15. In Paris, an annual competition for the best baguette in the city is held.

Paris hosts an annual Baguette Grand Prix to determine the best French bread in the city. 200 bakers take this challenge seriously - the winner gets at least 4,000 euros in cash, fame in France, and additional customers for their bakery!

16. Women in Paris were once forbidden to wear trousers.

Until 2012, women were not allowed to wear pants in public. All women were prohibited from wearing "men's clothes" under legislation that went into effect in 1800, and those who wished to do so had to obtain police permission.

However, even with the law in place, women continued to wear pants without any repercussions. It wasn't until 2012 that the law was finally repealed, thanks to the efforts of Najad Vallo-Belkasem, a former minister for women's rights, who argued that the law could no longer be compatible with contemporary values.

17. The Eiffel Tower was almost destroyed during World War II

The order to demolish the Eiffel Tower was given shortly before the liberation of Paris in August 1944.

18. Paris is home to one of the most famous paintings in the world.

"Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci, the most prestigious and famous work of art in the world, is stored in the Louvre in Paris. Although the artwork is well known, many people are often shocked by how tiny it is when they see it live. Its exact dimensions are 77 cm × 53 cm.

Since 2005, the Mona Lisa has been exhibited in a protective glass case in a secluded splendor in the center of the hall. This unique treatment is partly due to the need to ensure the preservation of such a famous work but also to the requirements of conservation: the result was not painted on canvas but on a poplar board, which warped over the years, causing cracks.

19. There are 37 bridges in Paris

Considered the most beautiful bridge in the world, the Pont Alexandre III, the Pont Bier Hakeim with breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, Pont Neuf (Pont Neuf), the city's oldest surviving bridge, and the Pont des Arts are just some of the most famous and stunning bridges of Paris worth visiting.

20. There are about 38,000 restaurants in Paris

There are about 12,000 restaurants in the very center of Paris. Ninety-four have one Michelin star, 12 have two, and 10 have three stars. After Tokyo, Japan, Paris has the.

Our reference: a Michelin star is a restaurant's rating regarding the quality of cuisine and other parameters.

21. You can shoot video in Paris for free

You may be shocked to learn that. It's free except for filming in museums, parks, or swimming pools, where fees apply.

No wonder many films, commercials, etc., are filmed daily in Paris. Yes, most movies shot in Paris did not pay for the use of locales. However, if this is a large production, you need permission from the authorities.

22. There are 6486 streets in Paris

Rue Degré in the 2nd arrondissement is the smallest at just 5.75 meters, while Rue Vaugirard in the 15th arrondissement is the longest at 4.3 kilometers.

23. The Eiffel Tower was originally a temporary structure.

The structure was supposed to last only 20 years before being destroyed. However, after it became popular and people came from afar to see it, it forever changed the history of Paris and France as a whole. The tower has become a hallmark of France and a popular tourist destination.

24. The Eiffel Tower was once considered ugly

The famous writer Guy de Maupassant dined daily at the Eiffel Tower restaurant, as it was the only place in the city where he could not see her because he considered her too disgusting for his eyes. But today, it is one of the most stunning sights in France and worldwide.

25. When the Eiffel Tower needs to be repainted, it's done by hand.

Every time a building needs to be painted, 60 tons of paint is applied by hand. Since its construction, the tower has been repainted 19 times, an average of every seven years.

26. The tradition of "locks of love" did not originate in Paris

Due to a failed romance between two young lovers, Nada and Rel, the custom of locking padlocks was born in a tiny Serbian village.

Young women in the city decided to start locking padlocks with their names and the names of their lovers on the "bridge of love" and then throwing the keys into the river as a sign of a lifelong commitment without treason because the relationship failed due to the infidelity of Rel, whose affair broke the heart, Nada.

Later, as a gesture of affection, everyone in the city and Serbia began padlocking, and the practice quickly spread throughout Europe.

27. Paris is the fashion capital of the world

It's undeniable that Parisian and French designers usually set the tone for fashion with world-class luxury fashion labels such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Balmain, Dior, L'Oreal, and more. French style has influenced the world, from haute couture to jewelry and handbag manufacturers.

28. Paris has the most beautiful avenue in the world

Avenue Champs Elysees is considered the most beautiful avenue in the world, although this statement is unofficial. This two-kilometer stretch of pavement between the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe is lined with trees on both sides and is home to some of the most upscale shopping, nightlife, flagship stores, and museums in the world.

29. Notre Dame Cathedral has become the most visited attraction in Paris

As of 2019, the Eiffel Tower was visited by about 7 million people, and Notre Dame Cathedral by about 13 million.

30. The oldest permanent bridge in Paris is called Pont Neuf (Pont Neuf)

When the Pont Neuf was built, it was nicknamed the "New Bridge." The “New Bridge” eventually ceased to be the most unique because all the “old bridges” collapsed, and new ones had to be built, but it was impossible to change their purpose.

Even though the name reads "New," it is currently the oldest bridge in Paris.

31. Paris metro is the second busiest in Europe

With 5.23 million passengers daily, the Paris Metro is the second busiest metro system in Europe, just after the Moscow Metro.

32. Many tourists experience "Paris Syndrome."

Some visitors have a "Paris Syndrome" that frustrates them when visiting the city. The fact is that there, you can encounter things that could be more plausible, such as crime, dirty streets, and unfriendly locals. And all because, for a long time, Paris is usually depicted as entirely different - romantic and beautiful.

33. Paris is home to the most famous cabaret in the world.

Burlesque and cabaret clubs in Paris have a long history. Many of them are still in operation, and there is also the Moulin Rouge in Paris, the most famous cabaret in the whole world. The oldest nightclub, Paradis Latin, founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, is also in Paris.

34. The very first Bloody Mary was made in Paris.

A young bartender named Fernand "Pete" Petiot invented the "Bloody Mary" at New York's Harry's in Paris in 1921. However, there are many urban legends surrounding who created the "Bloody Mary" because many would like to attribute this merit.

35. The main bell of Notre Dame Cathedral bears the name of Emmanuel

Bourdon Emmanuel, cast in 1686, is Notre Dame's largest, oldest, and most famous bell. When Emmanuel sounded during the liberation of Paris in 1944, it was named a National Historic Landmark, and campanologists (specialists involved in the scientific and musical study of bells) consider it one of the best bells in Europe.

36. From the base to the top of the Eiffel Tower, 1665 steps

The climb from the foot of the Eiffel Tower to its top is 1665 steps. The stairs from the second to the third floor are not accessible to the general public. So you wouldn't have to go through all of them.

To go up from the second floor, you need to use the Duolift elevators waiting for visitors on the upper platform of the second floor. By the way, to walk up one foot, you will need it in 10 minutes).

However, real athletes can climb the stairs from the ground to the top in less than 10 minutes! The Tower regularly hosts a "Vertical Race" race in which dozens of athletes from all over the world compete to climb the 1,665 steps to the top as quickly as possible.

The men's record belongs to Pole Piotr Lobodzinski, who climbed up in less than 8 minutes, and the women's record belongs to Australian Susie Walsham - less than 10 minutes!

37. Rue Des Degrés - the shortest street in Paris, its length is only 5.75 meters

It has a staircase leading to Rue Beauregard, just a few meters from the Porte Saint-Denis from Rue Clery. The shortest street in Paris, rue Degre, is only 5.75 meters long and 3.30 meters wide.

38. Disneyland is the second most visited attraction in Paris

Instead of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or the Arc de Triomphe, Disneyland is the second most visited place in Paris after Notre Dame Cathedral! Eleven million people visit the theme park in Paris every year. The most popular Disney characters, rides, events, and restaurants can be found at Disneyland Paris, which opened its doors in 1992.

39. It took 30 years to build the Arc de Triomphe

In 1806, Napoleon ordered the construction of the famous arch in honor of the Grand Army. After 30 years, in 1836, it was finally completed. If you have ever been to the Arc de Triomphe, you know it was worth the wait.

40. Paris is one of the most expensive cities to live in the world.

Anyone who wants to move to Paris should keep this in mind. Living in Paris is expensive, especially in the city center. Paris is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world, along with centers such as New York, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

It is estimated that you will need a monthly salary of 1,500 euros to meet your basic needs. A one-bedroom apartment in Paris can cost between 1,000 and 3,000 euros per month, with costs per person reaching up to 1,000 euros, excluding rent.

41. There are 20 districts in the city

Paris is divided into 20 different arrondissements or "districts" as commonly known.

42. Becoming a taxi driver in Paris costs an average of 160,000 euros

There are two ways to get a driver's license in Paris. In a government agency, it's free. However, no one follows this path due to the long waiting period of more than 14 years.

The second option is to purchase a license from a taxi driver who has retired or stopped working for other reasons. That's where this incredible amount is now coming from. There is no predetermined selling price; instead, determine its value using current open market prices. In addition, the market price ranges from 160 to 200 thousand euros.

43. The city has the largest wholesale food market in the world.

This gourmet metropolis hosts the world's largest food market. Over two square kilometers of fresh produce is available at Rungis International Market.

Every day, 20,000 people buy fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, and fish at the market. Usually, open only to companies, the market welcomes buyers on the second Friday of the month.

44. There are no stop signs on the roads of Paris.

Paris is now free of "STOP" signs (the city removed them in 2016). They have been replaced with traffic lights because too many of them exist!

45. The Eiffel Tower is the most valuable attraction in Europe

It is estimated at 435 billion euros.

Sunny Greece is a picturesque land created by the gods for the rest of the soul and body. The islands of Kos, Santorini, the western part of Rhodes, the Halkidiki peninsula, and the eastern part of the Peloponnese are washed by the Aegean Sea. The east coast of Rhodes and the northern and southern beaches of Crete caress the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

 

The Ionian Sea will help you enjoy a holiday in western Crete, eastern Corfu, and the western part of the Peloponnese. Lovers of invigorating swimming will enjoy the refreshing Adriatic Sea on Corfu's western and northern shores.

 

Top places to stay in Greece 

 

From May to October, you will get an incredible relaxation on all the seas, sunbathing on the comfortable beaches and enjoying the gentle turquoise waters of the sea. Many resorts in Greece by the sea offer tourists to see the ancient attractions, immerse themselves in the dizzying atmosphere of the nightlife and enjoy the taste of the local cuisine, and you can choose where to relax.

 

1. Crete

In the necklace of the Greek islands, the legendary homeland of Zeus, Crete, stands out as the most fabulous pearl. It hosts the southernmost resorts in the country, where it enjoys almost 340 days a year of sunny weather: beautiful mountain scenery, sandy beach areas, and beautiful inns for romantic and family vacations.

 

Among the many resorts, an unforgettable holiday on the sandy shores surrounded by picturesque nature will be provided by Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Rethymno, Chania, Heraklion, and Hersonissos, Malia, Lassithi. If you prefer more comfort, staying in the eastern part of Crete, on Lassithi, with sandy beaches in the Gulf of Mirabella and "star" hotels, is better.

 

In the northern region, the resort of Rethymno has gained popularity with a coast dotted with a mixture of sand and pebbles, a gentle descent into the water, and a freshwater lake with its beach. There are many hotels on the first line in the city. It is pleasant to walk around, enjoying the picturesque combination of Venetian and Oriental architecture.

 

The Heraklion coast stretches along the central part. It is a lively resort for young people, with water parks and an aquarium. Moving to the west coast of Crete, you are in the most exotic resort - Chania, surrounded by lush exotic vegetation, famous for the best sandy beaches, architectural monuments, and Venetian-style mansions. Those who are just interested in spending time on the beach can safely choose Elafonisi, the red beach in Matale, the Vapay beach on Lassithi, and the wild Balos beach with luxurious white sand.

 

2. Rhodes

Rhodes will satisfy the most demanding tourists with its natural beauty, all-encompassing tourist infrastructure, and fantastic weather. There are beaches on the island for all tastes: sandy and pebble, comfortable and wild, picturesque and relaxing bays, and open to all winds.

 

All beaches are accessible. Fans of a versatile beach holiday, sightseeing, and active nightlife should choose the capital - Rhodes, located in the north. Here, on the spit, there are beaches from two nearby seas - the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea, which differ in terms of water temperature and the presence of sea waves.

 

It is preferable to rest with the children, heading south, where peace reigns. A famous beach - Ellie with white sand overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and excellent infrastructure. The sandy pebble beach of Paropoul and the pebble beaches of Ixia and Ialyssos, which stretch along the rolling shores of the Aegean Sea, are suitable for extreme sports fans.

 

Several unique beaches in Kallithea, nestled in cozy little bays, are famous for their Roman hot springs. Among the Mediterranean resorts, Faliraki stands out with its clean, golden sand beaches of almost 4 kilometers, followed by Anthony Quinn Beach, located in a bay surrounded by cliffs.

 

Among the Mediterranean beaches awarded with "Blue Flags," we would like to mention Kolimbia and Afandou, the comfortable sandy beaches of Tsambika, Stegna, and Agati. In Rhodes, spending time on the beach goes well with visiting medieval forts, Byzantine and Catholic churches, museums, old Lindos with its acropolis, and visiting Rodini Park, the Butterfly Valley, and the ostrich farm.

 

3. Kos

Kos Island offers many pleasant moments, surrounded by picturesque nature and stunning beaches with resorts and attractions. Its gravel-dominated coastline is washed away by the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. In the central city - Kos, the beaches are too crowded.

 

Tourists intending to combine sea bathing and sunbathing on the beach with hiking in historic sites should head to Kamari and Kefalos with their quiet sea and well-equipped beaches separated by a bay. Near Kefalos, there is a cozy sandy beach with paradise, surprising with water bubbles near the coast coming from the volcanic gases emitted.

 

Kardamena Resort, located in the southwest, has hotels with beautiful beaches and the ancient temple of Apollo. In the northern part of Kos, there are unique black sand beaches that have settled on the shores of the volcanic eruption and Lake Aliko with flamingos.

 

Psalidi, with its gravel coastline, is a favorite among windsurfing enthusiasts. The wide white sandy beach of Maskhari, with a slight slope in the sea, is perfect for families. Terma Beach, famous for its hot springs, is located 10 kilometers from the capital.

 

There are many ancient attractions on Kos - the ancient city of Paleo Pili, the castle of Animachia, the site of the Asclepius sanatorium, the old Roman Odeon, and many medieval temples.

 

4. Corfu

Immersed in greenery, Corfu is located 2 kilometers from mainland Greece in the northern part of the Ionian Sea. Several resort complexes with cozy hotels and cozy pebble beaches stretch along its coast.

 

A paradise hidden among small bays and bays is called Paleokastritsa Protected, located in the northwestern part of Corfu. Here sunbathing on the beach, swimming in the sea, and diving is complemented by plenty of entertainment options.

 

No less attractive for young people in the town of Kavos, located in the southeastern part of Corfu, famous for its active nightlife. For mature tourists and families, the southern resorts of Moraitika and Mesongi could not be found better. The settlement of Lefkimi will ensure an atmosphere of solitude and tranquility.

 

The deep warm shores of the sea, the clean beaches, and the daily comfort attract families with children here. The resort towns in northeast Dasia, Bourbaki, Nissaki, and Kontokali are also in good condition. Glyfada will appeal to those who like to combine an active daytime life with evening entertainment in restaurants and entertainment venues.

 

The young audience likes to gather in the northern resort of Sidari, famous for the legendary Love Channel, in Kassiopi, Rhoda, and Acharavi, with a high level of comfort and many entertainment options. Kommeno resort is preferred with luxury hotels, villas, expensive restaurants, and nightlife entertainment for the elite tourist category. There are many unique attractions on the island - 4 cities, several medieval churches, Achilleion Palace and Pontikonissi Island.

 

5. Cassandra

In the geographical trident of Halkidiki, the Kassandra Peninsula, named in honor of the king, who was the son-in-law of Alexander the Great, stands out. It is connected to the mainland by the beautiful Nea Potidea bridge. Kassandra is only 15 kilometers wide but stretches along the Aegean coast for 50 kilometers.

 

Young people go to lively and crowded resorts with a wide range of nightlife: Eriopigu, Kallithea, and Hanioti. Tourists with children prefer to relax in Nea and Sani. A delightful bay in the village of Nea Fokia, next to the beach strip, draws near the Byzantine tower by the sea, from which the sermons of the apostle Paul were read.

 

The golf course leads to a healing spring and a chapel. The comfortable location of Nea Potidea is famous for its magnificent beaches, covered with sand and fragments of an ancient fortress. The golden sand-covered Pevkohori coast is a paradise for lovers of solitude, surrounded by mountains, pine forests, and a gentle sea.

 

For those looking for privacy, do not hesitate to stay alive in the city of Nea Moudania. The peninsula is famous for its cozy sandy beaches, many of which have been awarded the Blue Flags of the European Union and have water parks.

 

On the beaches of Nea Fokea, it is good to snorkel at Glarokavas, where the depth is excellent, and lovers of boat trips and yachts like it. On the golden coast of Haiti, on the shores of the fine sand, both young people and families with children like to sunbathe and swim.

 

6. Sithonia

The second peak of Poseidon's trident - the Khalidiki peninsula - was Sithonia. Conquer with stunning scenery in a combination of mountainous terrain, clean pine trees, and coastlines, washed west by the waters of Kassandra Bay, east - by Singitimos Bay. The diversity of the coast, with fishing villages, comfortable bays, picturesque harbors, and clean unobstructed beaches, makes it possible to choose a safe place to relax for lovers of independent tourism.

 

Accommodation in Sithonia will not be a problem. The most prominent tourist center is Neos Marmaras, with two stunning beach areas on both sides of the town. Spend a wonderful holiday on the beautiful coastline of Parthenonas, with luxury hotels and a 17th-century temple. In the center, it is worth visiting the resorts: Kriaritsi, Marafias, Azapiko, Kalamtiko, Tristi Paradiso, and Caracas.

 

On the opposite side is the stunning mountain village of Sykia, with lovely terraces, the towns of Vourvourou and Sarti, and the breathtaking beauty of the Panagia Bay coast. Relaxing on the sandy shores of Porto Koufo Bay will attract families with children. The azure sea and numerous taverns with seafood delicacies offer an opportunity to eliminate the daily hustle and bustle.

 

7. Athos

The Athos Peninsula, where the sacred mountain rises, is part of Halkidiki. It is known that only men can visit Athos Monastery, so a joint venture or family should come to the peninsula to settle in Ouranoupoli, the nearest resort town of Athos, with developed tourist infrastructure.

 

You can stay here at relatively affordable prices even in the city center in a hotel with a pool, a little more expensive - in an apartment. But for lovers of luxury, it is also not difficult to find a hotel with a private beach. The city's main attractions are the 14th-century Byzantine tower and the Frankish castle.

 

The coast near Mount Athos is covered with pebbles and sand. The beach areas are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. For travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of a Campsite, it is fashionable to stay at a campsite near Ouranoupoli on Komitsa Beach with bars, cafes, and shops.

 

On the peninsula of Athos is interesting the city of Stagira, where the famous philosopher Aristotle was born, whose statue is in the city park. For anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of local traditions, we recommend visiting the city of Ierissos, with the ruins of an ancient settlement and several Byzantine temples.

 

8. Amoliani

Near the Halkidiki Peninsula, there is a beautiful Amoliani, which fascinates tourists at first sight. It has become a paradise for all those who prefer a secluded vacation. The landscapes with picturesque bays and sandy beaches, surrounded by olive groves on the hills, provoke an indescribable delight and the desire to stay here for a long time.

 

The guests' comfort is created by perfectly equipped beaches and comfortable hotels, of which there are more than 40 nightclubs and taverns with excellent seafood dishes. For lovers of active entertainment, there is everything for water sports. It is undeniable that the main asset in favor of the trip is the ecologically clean sandy beaches caressed by the warm azure sea.

 

In terms of their popularity, Alykes awarded the Blue Flag, is in the lead. The golden sandy shore, surrounded by lush vegetation, with a convenient entrance to the sea, attracts families with children. For couples in love, more secluded corners of the beach are suitable: Agias Georgios, Megali Amos, Karagatsi, Zaska, Faka, Nisakia, where there are fewer people, but all the equipment for the beach, swimming, and water activities are available.

 

The small island does not have a lot of attractions. Still, a relaxed life surrounded by flowery Mediterranean nature and authentic local houses will make you feel like a natural paradise.

 

9. Thassos

The northernmost and greenest Greek island in the Aegean Sea. It is covered with forests, oaks, chestnuts, and banana plantations. It has such a small surface that it is not difficult to move around it in a day. The ancient capital of Thassos has long been considered the city of Limenas, surrounded by old city walls, behind which there are many ancient shrines and altars.

 

The beach and swimming will be fun in the resort of Potos, and in the evening it is fun to relax in the entertainment facilities. Theologos mountain village, notable for the ruins of an ancient city, has a beautiful, well-kept beach, especially suitable for surfers. In the historic town of Alik, apart from the beautiful beach and nature area, the fragments of an ancient temple with inscriptions are impressive.

 

For 115 kilometers, a luxurious beach stretches along the island, where the beaches of San Antonio, Paradise, Psili Amos, Makrimos, Glymoferi, and Marble shine with shining pearls, many of which have received the international Blue Flag rating. Tourists are ready to accept more than 180 hotels at affordable prices, both for standard accommodation and through the "all-inclusive" system.

 

See here the TOP 20 white sand beaches in Greece for summer 2022.

 

10. Skiathos

Charming little sunny Skiathos, with its luxurious nature, is washed by the emerald waters of the Aegean Sea. It offers its guests a wide range of marine pleasures and entertainment. To enjoy its charms in full force, you need to spend more than a week on Skiathos. Along the 44-kilometer coastline, towns and villages with excellent resort infrastructure and areas—well-kept beaches covered with fine and delicate sand.

 

The only difficulty for tourists is choosing a beach, of which there are 60. They have crystal clear water, sandy shores, and many water activities everywhere. Tourists are advised to sunbathe and swim at Little and Big Banana, the picturesque Vromolimnos. On the secluded beaches of Nikotsara, Castro, and Lalaria, which it is impossible to reach on foot, boats leave the port every day and take everyone to town in the evening.

 

It is the ideal destination for yachts. Little Chersonesos will conquer with the romance of the fortress Burtzi and a beautiful port. Skiathos will delight you with the ruins of the medieval Castro fortress, 17th-18th-century monasteries, and excellent hotel services and entertainment facilities. Excellent transport links are a perfect opportunity to get around the most beautiful places inside and out.

 

11. Lefkada

It is part of the Ionian Archipelago. Its name, "white" in Greek, comes from the white rocks that flank the west coast. The resorts of Lefkada are buried in dense vegetation, and the comfortable bays are beautiful places, with excellent beach infrastructure, lots of entertainment, and comfortable hotels of different stars.

 

The main tourist center is the picturesque town of Lefkada, which delights guests with colorful mosaic houses. Everyone calls the main wealth of Lefkada resorts its excellent beaches, which are firmly rooted in the ranking of the best in the world. On the southeast coast is Porto Katsiki, with its purest soft sand, azure waters, and luxurious natural surroundings.

 

If you are traveling to the southwest, it is impossible not to fall in love with the cozy and secluded beach corner - of Egremni. The lovely sandy beaches of Kathisma and Nydri, surrounded by pine forests, cypresses, and olive groves, are loved by tourists who prefer a comfortable and relaxing holiday. The leisure time of the island's guests will be diversified through its historical and cultural monuments.

 

12. Cephalonia

A small sunny island in the Ionian Sea, with picturesque beaches, which has recently become a resort. The capital is Argostolion, with a population of 40,000. Nature has generously endowed the resorts of Poros, Skala, Spartia, Lassi, and Svaronata with a quiet coastline, beautiful mountains, and the purest ecology.

 

Among the most picturesque and comfortable beaches will be in the village of Assos, with a gravel coast and a sandy coast of Kaminia, with a shallow entrance to the sea, which is excellent for families with children. Well-maintained blue flag beaches: white sandy-pearl-covered Myrtos with white pebbles and white gravel Antisamos surrounded by lush hills, shallow water near the coast, which is good for the health of adults and children.

 

Fans of the taming of the waves will enjoy a stretch of miles of the coastal strip called Petani, with high cliffs, a deep transparent sea, a strong waves. Kefalonia offers guests almost 800 accommodation options in hotels with different statuses, apartments, and villas. There is an airport and in any tourist town, nightclubs, cafes and a cinema.

 

13. Ithaca

The tiny island, which became the birthplace of the legendary Odyssey, belongs to the administrative district of Kefalonia. This is a little-visited Greek resort, mainly due to the inconvenient transport connections from the mainland. But tourists visiting Ithaca notice the extraordinary charm of its comfortable bay and natural landscapes.

 

The most populous city - Vati, is considered the capital of Ithaca, so it is better to start getting to know the resorts here. The city conquers with its buildings, built in the Venetian traditions of architecture, historical monuments, and a natural harbor, the largest in the world. Holidays in Ithaca enjoy coasts mostly covered with small pebbles, clear waters, and low tourist density.

 

The comfortable Filiatro Beach, which stretches into a bay between a mountain range near Watu, is considered the best on the island. Poli Beach, located next to the Stavros settlement, is not inferior in its beauty and range of services. Wild beaches - Agios Ioannis with beautiful views, Piso Aetos - yacht and other rental boats, Gidaki and Dexa - great for snorkeling.

 

The only stretch of sand on the Mnimat coast, surrounded by olive groves, is popular with tourists and offers services. Finding accommodation in Ithaca will not be a problem. You can rent a decent room with a sea view or an apartment during the tourist season.

 

14. Zakynthos

The Ionian island of dreams attracts tourists with beautiful scenery, golden beaches, warm turquoise sea, the healing scent of emerald coniferous forests, and attractions covered with exciting legends. No wonder it has been granted the status of an international nature reserve with unique creations of nature: Navagio Bay, the Blue Caves, the addition of relict turtles, and the Axos stone park.

 

The capital - the city of Zakynthos, is notable for its historical monuments and the charming beach area of ​​nearby Kalamaki. Many comfortable hotels have recently been built on the east coast, and restaurants with traditional Mediterranean cuisine and bars have been opened.

 

The eastern towns of the island are recommended as magnificent resorts with sandy beaches: Alykes, Argassi, Vasilikos, Agios Nikolaos, Gerakas, and Laganas. The beautiful Porto Limnionas is hidden in a bay surrounded by cliffs to the west. The coastline surrounds the island for 120 kilometers, on which there are more than a hundred beaches, which stand out for their perfect cleanliness. All the beaches are lovely. Regardless of the choice of resort, you will be assured of many vivid impressions.

 

15. Tyra

The most romantic Greek island, stretching like a crescent through the waters of the Aegean Sea. On the tops of its majestic cliffs are islands of white towns with stunning Cycladic architecture and views of the volcano's warming. The unforgettable charm of the landscapes, the relaxation at sea, and the tasting of the cuisine and wine of Santorini will remain in your memory with sweet memories.

 

The compact territory of Santorini is dotted with resorts with a wide selection of hotels of various categories, excellent infrastructure, and many beaches with volcanic sand. The main resort town is the capital - Fira, which is located on rock terraces, decorated with heavenly domes of churches, streets of snow-white houses, and scaffolding (cave houses).

 

There are plenty of hotels, bars, and restaurants here. The main beach area is Kamari, with a coastline of a mixture of pebbles and dark sand and several hotels and bars that stretch along the coastline. The quiet resort of Perissa, located at the foot of Mount Mesa Vouna, is not inferior to Kamari. A comfortable tan and marine activities await you on the shores covered with volcanic sand.

 

16. Evia

They are listed as the largest islands in the Aegean Sea. There are seven municipalities with over 200 thousand inhabitants. Larger cities are located along the coast, and small settlements are located on bays, mountains, and river valleys. The mountains divide the island into north, central, and south.

 

Each of them has all the conditions for receiving tourists in hotels, private cottages, various houses at affordable prices, and loyal services. On Euboea, the beach areas stretch for 680 kilometers, located in crowded resorts and isolated bays. At sea, the bottom is covered with cracks and underwater caves. The constant wind attracts surfers.

 

However, the wind does not catch up with the big waves, and tourists who prefer passive fun can sunbathe and swim safely. The most popular resorts are located mainly on the west coast, near the mainland: Edeps, Politics, and Eretria. Among the objectives of interest are several ancient monasteries and the remains of fortifications.

 

17. Peloponnese

The country's southern peninsula is connected to the Balkans by the Isthmus of Corinth. It is divided into seven regions, where each has created a wide range of services for tourists. You can stay in a simple two-star hotel or a luxury five-star hotel in any coastal resort. Most of the beaches in the Peloponnese are sandy, remarkable for landscaping.

 

For a family vacation, it is best to head to the shores of the Achaea region, where cheap hotels or places between Kastoria and Corinth attract the magnificent bays and beaches of Loutraki and Xylokastro, and the pebbled coastline of Sykia is marked for the purity of the sea. Blue flag. " In the south, you should pay attention to Laconia for tourists who prefer secluded coastal places surrounded by cliffs. In Arcadia, there is a beautiful city Leonidion.

 

When choosing the Argolis region, you can't go wrong with Porto Heli, Plepi, and Tolo, where you will find both sandy and gravel beaches. In addition to being on the sea, the Peloponnese will impress with the monuments of the history of ancient Greece. As you rest, you will see the legendary palaces of Agamemnon, the famous Olympia with the ruins of the temple of Zeus, beautiful ancient temples, and medieval castles.

 

18. Lesbo

The third-largest Greek island has become a popular resort in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea. Glorified by ancient poets, he gained the ambiguous fame of a place where the cult of same-sex love flourished. The capital Lesvos is the port city of Mytilene, with two ports located in the southeast.

 

The best beach in Mytilene with hotels, sports fields, and restaurants is called Vatera. It stretches along the seafront for 8 kilometers. In the north of Lesvos, the Molyvos beach area is attractive, offering comfortable conditions for the beach, swimming, and entertainment. The beach area of ​​Petra, 5 km from Molyvos, is the best place for families with children.

 

Going west, you will find the stunningly beautiful beach area of ​​Skala Press, which has been repeatedly marked with the "Blue Flag" and the nearby hot springs. The island has a wide range of hotels and apartments. The history of the world includes the sights of Lesvos: the castle-fortress of Mytilene, the monastery of Archangel Michael, the Church of Panagia Glykofilus, and the Gulf of Calloni. The healing air of the resorts, saturated with pine aroma, will boost vivacity for the whole year.

 

19. Mykonos

The landscape consists of white windmills, white and blue streets, famous luxury villas, stunning sandy beaches, and an azure sea. In Mykonos, called Chora by the townspeople, there are many expensiVIPsVIP and luxury hotels and restaurants where you can meet celebrities from shows and movie actors.

 

Most resorts are located in the south, where there is less wind. You can spend a good holiday in Agios Iannis, Platis-Yalos, Psarou, Ornos, Azrari, Elia and Paraidaz. Nudists favor Paranga and Paradise, and Super Paradise traditionally attracts homosexuals and noisy parties.

 

Several cozy beach areas with yellow sand and clear sea are popular: Elia beach, Patis Yialos, and Super Paradise beach. People who prefer solitude should go to the coast of Agios Sostis. The marine rest is completed by visiting the tourist objectives: the Church of Our Lady of Paraportiani, the monastery of the Virgin from the 18th century, and the archeological and ethnographic museum.

 

20. Volos

The Aegean town on the Gulf of Pagasitikos has about 100,000 inhabitants. But at the same time, it is the third most important port in the country and a favorite location for tourists. Despite its industrial importance, the city has a well-developed infrastructure for a comfortable stay for many guests.

 

Walking along the embankment, you will find many attractions: various monuments and sculptures, architectural structures, a vast number of beautiful palm trees, the Orthodox Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, taverns, restaurants, and cafes where you can taste Greek national cuisine or enjoy the familiar taste of traditional European dishes.

 

No matter what interests him, every tourist will find his free time among the attractions of Volos: the Brick Museum, the richest Archaeological Museum, the castle of Volos, built in the sixth century, many cathedrals, and temples. And in the vicinity of Volos, tourists will find exciting trips to the site of the ancient cities of Dimitriada and Diminios, the old European settlement Sesklos, a copy of the legendary ship "Argo," anchored forever on the outskirts of the town.

 

According to tourists, Volos is a picturesque place where you can experience Greek hospitality, immerse yourself in ancient history, enjoy the gastronomic pleasure of Greek national cuisine, and learn more about the culture of one of the oldest civilizations.

 

See here the TOP 20 white sand beaches in Greece for summer 2022.

One of the most beautiful cities in the world, there is so much to see and do in Barcelona that, when visitors arrive, they sometimes feel lost, with no idea where to start. If you want to take advantage of some of the best things on offer, this list will get you started.

 

When is the best time to visit Barcelona?

To decide when to go on holiday to Spain, you should determine the place and purpose of the trip. You can go on the ski slopes from the beginning of winter until April, and you can enjoy the beach from June to October. But the water only warms up nicely in July. You can come on excursions all year round, as the air here rarely cools below +10 oC (except for ski resorts).

 

September, considered the velvet season, is the best time to travel to Spain if the purpose of the trip is beaches and diving (water up to +27 C, air up to +29 C). In the Canary Islands, the season lasts longer: the temperature at which the air warms in October is about +26 C, and the water is about +22 oC. The Balearic Islands are a bit cooler. You can organize a rich program of trips to Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia during the November holidays, as the temperature of + 18-20 oC is ideal for long walks. But in November the tour will be cheaper.

 

Is Barcelona an expensive city to visit?

It is worth noting that Barcelona is a relatively expensive European city. Still, even here, you can find excellent options where you can have a tasty and cheap.

 

Barcelona’s attractions span nearly 2,000 years of history. They include a medieval old town, a unique street network that reflects 19th-century urban trends, and many interesting, unusual, and slightly fabulous buildings, including its architectural delights. Antoni Gaudí in particular. On the streets of the Catalan capital, you can easily find ancient rarities of the Roman past, medieval neighborhoods, cathedrals, and sculptural and architectural masterpieces of modernism and modernity. Barcelona is the city where Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró got their inspiration. You can stroll aimlessly through its streets, stumble into charming corners, listen to street musicians or have fun in cozy cafes.

 

What are the top things to do in Barcelona?

 

Barcelona is a city in northeastern Spain, the capital of Catalonia. It is the largest metropolis on the Mediterranean coast, with over one and a half million people, and the second-largest in the country. Barcelona is a lively seaside town and port with a magnificent cultural and historical heritage, a unique atmosphere, and charming architecture. The center of Catalonia attracts with its mild climate and relaxed lifestyle, surreal buildings - masterpieces of Gaudí, beaches and the sea, delicious food, and entertainment for all tastes.

 

20. Taste some of the best drinks in town

Barcelona is famous for its Catalan cava. Catalonia's white (or pink) sparkling wine is obtained by the same method famously used by its French cousin, obtaining its effervescence and complexity from the fermentation of bottles. It is trendy in Barcelona and throughout Spain. At Vinya del Senyor, you can taste some of the best products in the area. The intimate restaurant serves a range of boutique-style glass cava. If you can get a meal on the plate, you’ll be able to enjoy it while enjoying views of Santa Maria del Mar. If you want to delve into the cave and its history, visit Cavas Codorniu, the oldest family cava company in Spain and one of the oldest in the world, with over 450 years of history to date. Here, you can enjoy excursions, museums, tastings, and more.

 

19. Discover the fascinating history of Barcelona

Knowing the history of a city is always a good idea when you visit a place you've never been to before. It will help you understand some of the characters of its people, architecture, art, and more. With so many different cultures, it is possible to stumble across part of Barcelona's history around every corner. One of the best places to start is at the MUHBA (Museu d’Historia de Barcelona), where the city’s heritage is preserved and displayed in several locations, such as Call, Temple Temple, Plaça del Rei, and Refugi 307.

 

You can also learn more about the history of Barcelona by visiting the newly opened Born Cultural Center, Columnas de Adrian, the Royal Shipyards of the Maritime Museum, several shelters that were built to survive the civil war, and the modernist Illa de la Discòrdia and the Fossar de les Moreres. It was once one of the historic cemeteries near the church of Santa Maria del Mar and served as a war memorial for those who lost their lives during the siege of eighteenth-century Barcelona.

 

18. Access one of Picasso's most complete art collections

The Picasso Museum in Barcelona was founded by the iconic friend of the artist's life, to whom he donated many of his works. While Picasso was from Malaga, in the south of Spain, it was Barcelona; he chose it as the location for his name museum because it was the city he forgot when he was just starting. It is housed in five connected Catalan Gothic palaces and houses one of the complete Picasso art collections. It has over 4,000 early works in sculpture, painting, and engraving. In addition to the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions explore his life, artistic interests, and love for the city. The five adjoining residences from the 13th and 14th centuries that complete the museum boast many treasures.

 

17. Be enchanted by the Magic Fountain

Font Magica, or Magic Fountain, is one of the most charming sights in Barcelona. Created for the 1929 International Exposition, it is located at the Montjuic Palace. "Magic" happens every weekend, as well as on Thursdays during the summer, with half-hour shows featuring water dancing to colorful lights and the rhythm of music ranging from classical songs to the Star Wars soundtrack. . The Magic Fountain is a fantastic display of acrobatics of color, light, movement, music, and water - making it appear as "pure magic."

 

16. Take a walk in the park

Barcelona is home to almost 70 parks, and one of the largest and most popular is Ciutadella Park. This green oasis is a great place to escape the chaos of the city's crowds and offers all sorts of things to do. Enjoy a picnic under the crowded palms, go to the zoo, take a boat in a row on the lake and look at the fountains and the medieval Castell dels Tres Dragons. If you want to see more of Antoni Gaudi's wonderful works, go to Park Guell, commissioned by Eusebi Güell, who wanted to create an elegant park for the aristocracy of Barcelona. There are some incredible stone structures and fascinating buildings, as well as a spectacular dragon, adorned with vibrant and colorful tiles. At the top of the park there is a terrace area, where you can enjoy views of the park and the city.

 

15. Immerse your toes in the Mediterranean

If you’re here in the hot summer months, as well as late spring and early fall, make sure you head to one of Barcelona’s two mile-long sandy beaches. Water temperatures are often ideal for swimming around the end of May to mid-September. Each of the beaches, from Sant Sebastia and Barceloneta, closest to the city center, to the sandy stretches of Nova Icaria and Mar Bella, have their own selection of chiringuitos (beach bars), perfect when you need a beach. break from the sun and many offer fun nightlife after dark. If you are looking for a quieter and more relaxed beach to relax in, just head along the coast to the beaches north of Olympic Port, such as Bogatell, which is only 15 minutes away. walking distance from Barceloneta.

 

14. Participate in a local festival

Barcelona loves to party and if you are looking for a non-stop party, or just want to mingle with the locals, take part in one of the many festivals. Most of the city's major festivals take place between late spring and early fall, such as the world's largest indie and alternative music festival, Primavera Sound, which takes place in late May or early June. August brings the new spring day Gracia Gracia, while September hosts the biggest fiesta of the year, the four-day Festes de la Merce, which honors the city's patron with a run, harbor swimming race and all sorts of concerts, parades, Catalan dances and holidays. Barcelona also celebrates Carnival in February, which includes carnival events and parades, being almost as colorful as the legendary Cologne festivities.

 

13. Buy something from the El Born neighbourhood

If you are passionate about shopping and want to enjoy strolling through a charming local area, head to El Born. Between the Gothic Quarter and the Parc de la Ciutadella, the main shopping street, Calle dels Flassaders, is narrow, but offers plenty of delights, such as cool cafes, modern art galleries, shops and vintage boutiques. Some of the highlights of the district include a Chocolate Museum, Chocolate Museum, MUTT Bookshop & Art Gallery, Museu Picasso de Barcelona and Museu de Cultures Del De Barcelona, ​​which feature exhibits from private and public collections that take the visitor on a journey. journey through the ancient cultures of Africa, Asia, America and Oceania.

 

12. Take a cooking class

Barcelonans are proud of Catalan cuisine and should be. A geographically diverse region, Catalunya produces a variety of fresh, high-quality seafood, meat, poultry, game, fruit and vegetables, which sometimes come in unusual combinations, such as meat and seafood, poultry. and fruits, fish and nuts. It's absolutely mouth-watering, and by taking an authentic cooking class, you can even bring some of it home and learn a lesson about the rich culinary history of Spain. BarcelonaCooking offers daily cooking classes in the morning and in the evening, offering a practical experience preparing Catalan dishes. A typical class starts with a trip to La Boqueira Market to buy local products for the class before entering the kitchen to cook appetizers, soup, paella and dessert. The classes are designed for everyone, from beginner to advanced cook, with activities in the process of preparing food for each skill level.

 

11. Enjoy Catalan cuisine

If you don't want to cook them yourself, you should try at least the best Catalan dishes in Barcelona. One of the most recommended places to try it is Cinc Sentits, where the talented Canadian-Catalan chef Jordi Artal serves the local classics with a twist. Often referred to as an indispensable experience for dishes, you can enjoy items such as shrimp in ajoblanco (garlic soup) with cherries and ice cream made from their stones. Catalan artisanal cheeses are deadly, and the foie gras that rests on a caramelized sugar rind, mashed leeks and chives, has been called the "taste of heaven". Each course is perfectly suited to all five senses, for an unforgettable dining experience. And while the restaurant has been recognized with a Michelin star, it is still one of the most affordable restaurants in Barcelona.

 

10. Complete great tapas

Your trip to Barcelona is not complete without filling out your tapas at least once. This culinary trend, which is spreading beyond the city and even overseas, is, in the most basic sense, appetizers, like small plates of enlarged delicacies. The right way to eat tapas is to jump from bar to bar, sipping a drink or two and devouring them along the way. The old fishing village of Barceloneta is where many locals go for the best tapas in the city, despite the area full of tourists, especially in summer. Ask for the house specialty, if the unit does not have one, it is not a real tapas bar.

 

If you want an insider to take you to some of the most authentic tapas bars, join the Tapas & Beer tour, where you will enjoy some of the best regional beers, along with fantastic tapas from the Gracia district. hip, where Iberian ham, mussels and patatas bravas is often to order.

 

9. Montjuic cinema experience

What could be better than open-air cinema in the night sky of Barcelona at Montjuic Castle? The beautiful surroundings, the relaxed atmosphere and the dark night add a magical touch to a summer evening, offering a unique experience in Barcelona. It is often rated as one of the best open-air cinemas in Europe and includes a selection of top films, accompanied by short films, concerts and a picnic area. You can bring your own meal and snacks or pick up something on the spot. And don't worry if you don't understand Spanish, most of the movies in the program are either in English with Spanish subtitles or in Spanish with English subtitles.

 

8. Rent a bicycle and take the Carretera De Les Aigues

While you can look at the incredible views of the city skyline from Park Guell, the peaks of Barcelona's skyline along the ancient road known as the Carretera de les Aigues. Although it has been officially renamed Passeig de les Aigües, those who travel here still call it by its original name. Well on the beaten tourist road, it revolves around the mountains, overlooking the city and the Mediterranean. It has been transformed into about 13 km of relatively flat bicycles and footpaths, and from Sant Pere Màrtir to Carretera de la Rabassada, the view from Collserola, overlooking Barcelona, ​​is absolutely perfect.

 

7. Catch a game at the Camp Nou

Millions of football fans make the pilgrimage to Barcelona every year to cheer up Barcelona's home team, FC Barcelona. The level of enthusiasm that the fans bring is equal to the stadium, Camp Nou. It boasts the largest capacity in Europe and can accommodate almost 100,000 spectators and hosting one of the best football teams in the world, many believe that a trip to the city would not be complete without going to a match. The schedule is set each year around mid-July, and matches usually begin in late August and end in late May, with a winter break around the Christmas and New Year holidays. Although nothing compares to participating in a live game, if you can't do that, you can still enjoy the experience by taking a guided tour that includes the rush of the "player tunnel", simulating what it's like to go to a creepy, crowded stadium. capacity.

 

6. Take a tour of the roof of Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Seu, was built as a monument to Eulalia, the city's co-owner. One of the most magnificent Gothic structures in Barcelona, ​​it has gargoyles, flying buttresses and barrel vault accents. You can enjoy them from above, along with the city skyline, taking a tour of the rooftop. While you're there, try to locate all 13 geese that can be seen around the cloister. It contains small chapels, gardens, fountains and geese. It is said to represent every year of Eulalia's life before she was martyred, and you can hear their loud sounds inside the church building. The geese used to perform an important task: they warned against intruders and thieves.

 

5. Climb Mount Montjuic

If you want to give your legs a great workout, go to Montjuïc Mountain. Not only is it an ideal place for a scenic walk, as many do not want to make the effort to get there, it tends to be less crowded with tourists. In addition to enjoying the spectacular views and natural surroundings, on top of the hill are the Olympic Stadium and the Jardi Botanic Garden. You will also discover buildings from the 1992 Olympic Games, such as the Palau Sant Jordi and a telecommunications tower. Be sure to visit Laribal Gardens, a romantic hilltop park with its mix of fountains, water and shady trees reminiscent of gardens at the Alhambra Palace in Grenada. The park is best known among locals for Font del Gat, or Cat's Fountain, built in 1918 - it was once a popular meeting place for young couples in love and was featured in the popular song "La Marieta de l'ull viu."

 

4. Hidden tours of the city by the homeless

Homeless people in Barcelona have been touring the city for several years. According to the company's quote, who better to show you on the streets of Barcelona than someone who lived on those streets? It's a great way to give a job to someone who needs it and visit to use the incredible knowledge of trained guides. Don't worry, the guides must meet strict requirements, including fluency in English, no alcohol and / or drug addiction, be a good public speaker, and be well-presented. The approximately two-hour historical tour will take you through the city's Gothic Quarter and the Raval, combining the classics with several off-road sites. Hidden City Tours says its goal is to "connect history and social history with our day and discuss the social reality of Barcelona's old town with a unique perspective from our previously homeless guides."

 

3. Explore the artistic side of Barcelona

Art lovers will find a lot of appreciation in this city, in fact, listing all the museums and art galleries in Barcelona would be a great thing. In addition, just a walk through a park like the Greek Theater can lead to the discovery of fabulous works. MNAC (Museu Nacional pentrurt de Catalunya), is one of the top treasures of the city, which boasts pieces representing Catalan art from the Romanesque period to the middle of the twentieth century. One of the largest museums in the world is Fundacio Joan Miro. It houses a collection of over 225 paintings, 150 sculptures and pieces by the Spanish surrealist painter, along with a series of works by his contemporaries. Palau Robert offers smaller rooms, and the building itself is well worth a look. Other gems include Joan Prats, Gallery 3 Punts, DNA and Toni Tapies.

 

2. Take a walk along Las Ramblas

A walk along Las Ramblas, the busiest thoroughfare in the city, is a must for any visitor to Barcelona. This wide, shaded boulevard runs through the heart of the city from Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell and is a lively, action-packed promenade, full of action, including street performances, as well as the live statue show presented here and lots of interesting character. Enjoy amblinging under the trees, people watching from a terrace and sipping a drink at an outdoor cafe. If you want to enjoy a bird's eye view of all events, head to the Columbus Monument's 18-story viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of both the city and the sea.

 

1.  Admire the magnificent Gaudi architecture

One of Barcelona's biggest attractions is its architecture, including magnificent works by Antonio Gaudi, such as the Sagrada Familia, which combines Gothic and Art Noveau styles in unique ways. Some consider it the greatest achievement of the Catalan building, while others consider it a clear example of waste. However, it is quite impressive inside and out. Hyperboloids, vivid colors, and unconventional representations of animals such as pelicans, turtles, and chameleons illustrate Gaudí's belief that nature and the divine were inextricably linked. Other landmarks include Palau Guell, Casa Batlló and Torre Bellesguard. Also noteworthy are the Palau de la Musica, Casa Amatller, and Casa de las Terrades.

 

 

London is the capital of Great Britain and one of the largest cities in Europe, which is the world center of culture, music, education, fashion, politics, finance and trade. It is a vibrant and bustling metropolis with a dynamic life and a wonderful cosmopolitan atmosphere. London is one of the oldest cities in Europe, which has an amazing concentration of a variety of sights, historical and cultural monuments: luxurious palaces, historical buildings, towers, bridges, ancient churches, attractions and world-class museums.

London was founded during the Roman Empire and throughout its rich history has been one of the most important cities in Europe. All the wealth of the United Kingdom flocked here, so its capital has magnificent sights from various historical eras. London is one of the most multifaceted cities in the world, which has absorbed not only the traditions of Britain, but also the cultures of many nationalities and peoples. It is a place of amazing diversity to be discovered and explored endlessly.

London can be visited all year round, so the best time to visit it depends entirely on your preferences. There are fewer tourists in the capital of the United Kingdom during the off-season, so it's easier to book a good hotel and you can comfortably explore the city. There are many festivals and cultural events in London in the summer, but there are also many more tourists.

London is one of the world's shopping capitals. Here is the largest department store in Europe - Harrods, where you can find almost everything. Also in the capital of Great Britain is a huge shopping center - Westfield, which includes 300 stores. The main shopping area is the West End (Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Piccadilly and Covent Garden). Near London Bridge is the Borough food market, although it is relatively expensive. Brushfield is home to an old fruit market that now sells up-and-coming designers, housewares and food.

Food in London caters to all tastes. Here you can find everything from fast food and inexpensive pubs to exclusive restaurants. In London, a standard tourist rule applies - food near popular attractions and in the central part of the city is more expensive. Many locals go to restaurants in residential and working areas, where the quality of food and service is higher and prices are lower.

Below you can read more interesting facts. 

1. The English capital is about two thousand years old. No one knows the exact date of foundation.

2. In the past, London was known as Londinium, Augusta, Lundenwick and Lundenburch.

3. Native Englishmen make up about 50% of the population of the capital of Great Britain. The rest are mostly from Africa and Asia.

4. The first Londinium was burned by the Britons during their revolt against the Romans.

5. In the 9th century, a huge army of pagan Vikings captured half of England, avenging the death of their king Ragnar. It controlled the territories of London and its environs for 15 years.

6. Judging by archaeological finds, primitive people lived on the site of modern London long before the foundation of the city.

7. Indigenous people in different parts of London have different accents. Foreigners do not notice this, but the locals determine it accurately.

8. Because of the monstrous prices for real estate, most citizens in London rent a house all their lives, and do not buy it.

9. Every Friday every London pub is packed to capacity. Most locals book tables well in advance.

It is impossible to see a stray cat or dog on the streets of London.

10. Residents of London can easily walk around in a T-shirt and jeans, for example, in November. Like their Irish neighbors, they are not afraid of the cold.

11. The apartments here, with rare exceptions, are very cramped. Many also live in old houses with communication problems.

12. London is in the top 10 most expensive cities in the world every year.

13. Drivers of traditional cabs in London know the whole city from memory down to the small lanes.

 

14. Navigators are not allowed to use them. This rule does not apply to ordinary yellow taxis.

15. You can find at least one bike rental on any major London street.

16. The most popular fast food in London is Indian cuisine.

17. London police officers do not carry firearms.

18. There are usually no washing machines for London apartments, so there is a laundry service on every corner.

19. Every year, people forget about 80,000 umbrellas on the London Underground.

20. Contrary to popular myth, it doesn't rain as often in London as you might think. For example, even in Rome or Milan there is more rainfall than here.

21. According to ancient law, London has the right to refuse the reigning English monarch entry into the capital.

22. Londoners never go out without taking an umbrella with them. Yes, just in case.

23. On one of the branches of the London Underground, trains are fully automated, and they travel without the help of drivers.

24. And here it is customary to leave to read newspapers right in the subway so that someone else can read them. By the way, they are still very popular in London, despite the development of modern technology.

25. The most popular pet in London is a dog, despite the fact that many landlords forbid tenants from keeping pets.

26. Every year, a Christmas tree sent from Norway is set up in London's Trafalgar Square. This is a token of appreciation from the people of Oslo for helping Britain during World War II.

27. Driving into central London costs money.

28. Big Ben is not called the famous London clock tower, but the bell installed in it.

29. Some retail outlets in London only accept credit cards.

30. Most of London's cinemas are specialized - one shows comedies, another shows Hollywood blockbusters, and a third shows retro movies.

31. There are about 5,000 pubs in London. This is more than even in Dublin.

32. Most of London's museums are free to enter, but donations are welcome.

33. About 20 underground rivers flow under London.

34. The multinationality of London society is evidenced by the fact that the locals speak about 300 different languages.

35. Among all the cities in the world, London occupies one of the first places in terms of the number of billionaires living in it.

36. The famous movable Tower Bridge in London weighs 2000 tons, while it takes just one minute to open.

37. It was here that the world's first subway was built.

38. The foggy London stereotype arose from the fact that during the era of the development of local industry, the city was constantly wrapped in thick smog. In fact, fogs are rare here, and mostly in the cold season.

39. In summer it is rarely warmer than +20, but in winter the temperature rarely drops below 0 degrees.

40. In terms of population, London ranks second in Europe, second only to Moscow.

41. Many streets, especially in older areas, are confusing and very winding, so many Londoners carry a map of the city with them.

42. Lines are everywhere here - in museums, pubs and restaurants. Even in the USSR there were not so many queues.

43. London is the only city in the world to have hosted the Olympic Games three times.

44. Less than 50% of Londoners are Christians.

45. The famous Westminster Abbey in London was built over almost 700 years.

46. One of the ancient laws obliges London hotels to accept not only guests, but also their horses.

Buckingham Palace in London consists of 600 rooms.

47. In the USA, as many as 8 cities are called London (interesting facts about the USA).

48. From the center of London to the center of Paris can be reached by high-speed train in just 2 hours.

49. The exact age of London is unknown, but, judging by the chronicles found, it is about two thousand years old.

50. In the Tower of London, the ravens that live there are looked after by a special caretaker. There is a legend that Great Britain will fall when these birds leave the Tower (see interesting facts about birds).

51. There are two types of taxis in London - ordinary and traditional London cabs. To get a cab driver's license, you have to pass the most difficult test on the knowledge of absolutely all London streets, because traditionally cab drivers do not use maps or navigators.

52. London is the largest city in the European Union, and concurrently the second largest in Europe as a whole.

53. Founded by the Romans, London was originally called in the Roman manner - Londinium.

54. For a hundred years, from 1985 to 1925, London was the largest city in the world.

55. Every year at Christmas in Trafalgar Square in London, a Christmas tree is sent from Oslo. This is a token of gratitude for the help provided to Norway during the Second World War (see interesting facts about Oslo).

56. Driving into the center of London during the daytime is paid, and, by the way, costs a lot - ten pounds sterling.

57. There is a statue of George Washington in London, but it was installed on land brought from the United States, because Washington declared during his lifetime that "do not set foot on English soil again."

58. London's famous Big Ben is not a tower, contrary to popular myth. "Big Ben" is the name of the bell tower installed there, and the tower itself is called "Elizabeth"

.

59. Twenty hidden rivers flow under London (see interesting facts about rivers).

60. The code of rules for ships entering London harbor still allows the constable of the Tower to demand a barrel of rum from each ship as a duty.

61. The inhabitants of London speak more than three hundred languages, which makes London the most multilingual city in the world. However, in English here anyway, of course, everyone speaks.

62. Local law forbids you from hailing a taxi on the streets of London if you are infected with the plague.

63. All London buses became red in 1907. Before that, they were painted in different colors.

64. London is the largest city in the UK. About a third less people live here than in Moscow, and almost fifty times more than in Paris.

65. One of London's museums houses a collection of items left behind by passengers on the London Underground. It includes such extravagant items as a human skull, a samurai sword, a coffin and a puffer fish.

66. London Heathrow Airport receives and sends more international flights than any other airport in the world.

67. During the fire of 1666 in London, about 70 thousand people were left without a roof over their heads, despite the fact that then the population of this city was only 80 thousand.

68. The world's first zoo opened in London. This significant event took place back in 1828.

69. There are over a thousand streets in London.

70. Contrary to popular belief, London is not a rainy city at all. On the contrary, it is one of the driest in Europe. But there are really many cloudy days here.

71. Buses in London run around the clock.

72. The cheapest transport in London is a bicycle. You can rent it on almost every street, and a daily rental will cost half the price of the shortest metro ride.

73. In 2012, the city hosted the Olympics for the third time, no other city has received such an honor.

74. Many museums in London are free to visit, although you can make a voluntary donation if you wish.

75. Eternal rain in London is a common myth. In fact, there is no more precipitation here than, for example, in Rome, but it can start to rain suddenly and end just as suddenly, so it is customary for locals to always carry an umbrella with them.

76. The London Eye Ferris wheel is one of the largest in the world. There are 32 booths fixed on the circle (according to the number of districts of the city), each of which can accommodate 25 people. A full turn of the wheel takes half an hour. The "Eye" is an important element of the pyrotechnic shows that are held on New Year's Eve and other holidays; fireworks are also launched from it.

77. If Japanese restaurants and pizzerias are widespread in Russia, then in London the championship belongs to Indian cuisine.

78. There are as many as 6 airports in London and its environs. Heathrow is the most famous of them, and also the busiest in Europe.

79. There are almost no traffic jams in the central part of the city. The secret is simple - since 2003, on weekdays, entry here is paid and is more than 12 pounds. Moreover, entry in an old car that does not meet environmental standards will cost twice as much.

80. The London Underground is one of the largest in the world with 270 stations. It is also the oldest in the world, its first branch was opened in 1863. The people call the subway Underground (“subway”) or Tube (“pipe”). The fare varies depending on the metro area. The stations have special places for musicians to perform, and it is customary to leave the newspapers in the car, where someone else can read them.

81. London has a Tramlink tram system, but it operates only in south London in the Croydon area and has only 4 routes. The fact is that there is no subway in this part of the city.

82. London is the only place where you need to study to become a taxi driver, and the training takes several years and involves passing the most difficult exams. The fact is that it is not customary for local taxi drivers to use maps, and even more so navigators, they must remember all the streets and even houses by heart! Not surprisingly, about 70% of applicants do not stand up to training. Naturally, we are talking about black taxi cabs that have become the hallmark of the city. It is they who have the right to play the streets and put passengers anywhere, but the prices in them bite. There are also simpler taxis in the city, but they only work on specific calls. If you need to use a transfer to the airport, we recommend that you order a Russian taxi in London. Reasonable price and quality service guaranteed.

83. Famous red double decker buses are called double deckers. The first buses of this type appeared on the streets in 1956.

84. In many places of the city there are parking lots with bicycles that can be rented with a bank card.

85. The Greenwich meridian passes through London, which in 1884 was decided to be considered zero (until that moment, different countries counted longitude from their national meridians). It used to pass through the observatory in the town of Greenwich, but now the town has become one of the districts of the sprawling capital.

86. Under London there are many underground rivers and streams. In the Victorian era, they were hidden underground - in the sewer system. At that time, it was the right decision, because Londoners threw garbage at them and poured sewage.

87. The Tower of London on the banks of the Thames is considered one of the oldest buildings in the UK. Its construction is attributed to William I, the legendary Norman conqueror who radically changed the whole way of Great Britain. Construction began in 1066 and ended in 1078. Later, Richard the Lionheart ordered to build several more towers and dig a moat around the fortress, and from 1190 the fortress gradually began to turn into a prison and a place of executions, and representatives of the nobility and even unsuccessful monarchs often became prisoners. King Henry VIII and his descendants were especially zealous in this matter in the 16th-17th centuries. It was only after World War II that they stopped keeping prisoners. Part of the fortress was occupied for a long time by the mint and the menagerie, later transferred to the London Zoo. Today, the Tower has become a museum and repository of the treasures of the British crown. Among the staff of the modern Tower there is a ravenmaster - an employee who monitors the well-being of the local flock of crows. There is a belief that when they leave the fortress, many misfortunes await the country. To prevent this from happening, crows have their wings clipped.

88. Big Ben is another well-known landmark that is actually not called that. The clock tower of the Palace of Westminster bears the name of Elizabeth, and "Big Ben" is not even the name of the clock, but the largest of the six bells inside the tower.

89. The London Zoo has been operating since 1828 and is the oldest in the world. Interestingly, it does not receive government funding and exists on proceeds from ticket sales, charitable fees and donations.

90. Like other major cities, London has not been spared by great tragedies. In 1952, the Great Smog hung over the city for several days - a toxic fog that led to the death of several thousand people. Immediately after this environmental disaster, the Clean Air Act was passed, but London is still considered one of the most polluted European cities today.

91. In 1666, during the Great Fire of London, most of the city burned out in just three days. The exact number of victims is unknown, the fact remains that more than 80% of the population was left homeless, and the restoration of the city took more than a dozen years. Although everything can be found pluses. For example, the fire helped to cope with the Great Plague Epidemic, which at that time had been raging in the capital for a year.

92. The Great Stench is another environmental disaster in London's history. In 1858, there was no sewerage in the largest city in Europe. And during the hot summer, the Thames overflowed with sewage and poisoned the surrounding areas. Cholera began to spread (they did not yet know that it was transmitted through water), there was a disgusting stench, residents fled to the suburbs, and the British Parliament resigned. The disaster ended by itself with the advent of rainy weather, but the government realized that the problem had to be dealt with somehow, and a year later a sewer system appeared in London.

93. The city is the main political, cultural and economic center of Britain.

94. In the Tower, a local fortress, a special person watches over the ravens living in its territories. According to one legend, Great Britain will fall immediately after the birds leave the fortress.

95. An interesting fact is that in London, anyone can, instead of a traditional taxi, call a cab - a horse-drawn carriage.

96. There are 20 piped rivers flowing under the surface of London.

97. Did you know that over 300 languages ​​are spoken in this capital, making London the most multilingual city on earth. But there is no doubt that everyone here knows English.

98. The British take their culture and traditions very seriously. As a result, the tower constable has the right to demand from the ships entering the harbor - a barrel of rum.

99. By law, a person suffering from the plague is not allowed to call a taxi.

100. Since 1907, all London buses have been painted red, although before that they were of a wide variety of colors and shades.

 

Interesting facts about Kyiv are a great opportunity to learn more about the ancient city. Kyiv has an ancient history, thanks to which you can see many of the oldest buildings here. It was here that Kievan Rus began to form, on the territory in which the Slavic peoples lived.

 

Facts you didn’t know about Kyiv

 

Kyiv is full of cozy cafes and restaurants, ancient buildings, monuments and sculptures, majestic temples, ancient streets, and beautiful parks. Each of them is associated with a lot of interesting information and interesting facts. Facts that will help you get to know the Great City on the Dnieper better. Let's get acquainted with some of them in more detail.

 

1. Starokievskaya mountain - the place "where the Russian land came from", is rightfully considered the highest of all the capital's mountains - 187 meters above sea level, 96 - above the Dnieper.

 

2. On Starokievsky Hill there is a contour of the foundation of the Church of the Tithes - the first stone church of Russia, destroyed by the Mongols of Batu. For the first time, the contours of the foundation were laid out in the 30s of the 20th century. Then, during the archaeological excavations in 2005-2010, it was removed, returning to its place only in 2015.

 

 

3. Linden on Starokievsky Hill, according to legend, was planted by Metropolitan Peter Mohyla in 1635. If so, then it is almost 400 years old, and this is one of the oldest Kyiv trees. There are myths that claim that she remembers the decline of Kievan Rus and her age is twice that.

 

4. The National Museum of the History of Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian collections dedicated to the history, has been living on Starokyivska Hill since 1944. This House of Muses is housed in a building originally intended for an art school; its funds include over 800,000 unique exhibits.

 

5. One of the favorite places of rest for the people of Kyiv - Landscape Alley runs on the site of the defensive ramparts of ancient Kyiv. Appeared in the early 1980s, her father is the architect Abraham Miletsky. And what views from here!

 

6. Kyiv metro station Arsenalnaya is the deepest in the world (105.5 m). And the Golden Gate is among the ten (according to other sources - twenty) most beautiful in the whole world.

 

 

7. In the Kyiv metro, in addition to more than fifty operating stations, there are also two mothballed ones: Lvovskaya Brama near Lvovskaya Square and Telichka (between Vydubychi and Slavutych).

 

8. There are two versions about the time of the emergence of Andreevsky Descent - the soul of the City of Kiya, its cultural artery connecting the Upper and Lower City. The first says that the narrow passage between the mountains Zamkova (Kiselevka) and Andreevskaya appeared in time immemorial. The second claims that it was laid in the middle of the 17th century, as a result of the actions of the Poles, who removed the hill bridge between the mountains. The height difference on the Descent is 70 m, so the first time it is better to pass it from top to bottom.

 

9. Seriously building up Andreevsky Spusk began in the 19th century, and already in the 60s of this century, brothels were “wound up” on Spusk, were far from the most intelligent contingent went. The fight against these institutions ended only by 1872 when the brothels moved to Podil.

 

 

10. One of the most famous and mystical buildings of the capital - the Castle of Richard the Lionheart - an apartment building of the early 20th century, got its name thanks to the Kyiv expert Viktor Nekrasov.

 

11. The first art vernissage of the arts, which brought together folk masters with their masterpieces, was held on Andreevsky Descent back in 1982, and gained real popularity towards the end of the 80s. Today, not so many people come as before, but still twice a year, on Kyiv Day and Independence Day, there is nowhere for an apple to fall on Spusk.

 

12. The house of writers Rolit (Bogdan Khmelnitsky, 68), built in the 1930s, has a record number of memorial plaques on its facade - 29.

 

13. The height of the sculpture "Motherland" is 62 meters (with a pedestal - of 102, one of the highest statues in the world). This huge steel figure weighs about 500 tons. Opened in 1981. There is a version that the main sculptor Vasily Borodai chose the sculptor Galina Kalchenko, who died in 1975, as the prototype of the face of the figure.

 

 

14. The highest building in the capital is the Kyiv TV Tower (385 m, by the way, higher than the Eiffel Tower). It is the tallest of the lattice structures in the world.

 

15. The tallest building in Kyiv - LCD "Klovsky" (168 m, Klovsky Spusk, 7). However, now skyscrapers are being built, which may well take away the title of “very very” from the residential complex.

 

16. The name of the second most ancient district of the City - Podil comes from the Old Slavonic word meaning lowland.

 

17. Zhytny market is the oldest operating market in Kyiv. The modern building was opened in 1980, but the marketplace has existed on this site since the time of Kievan Rus.

 

18. Cinema "Zhovten" is also among the oldest "cinema houses" in the capital. Built-in 1931, recently restored after a fire in 2014. It is interesting because it pays a lot of attention to auteurs, festivals, and arthouse cinema.

 

19. Walking along Podol, pay attention to the graceful clock tower towering on Kontraktova Square between Podolskaya RDA and the Pot-bellied Hata. This is the ex-bell tower of the Church of the Holy Great Martyr Catherine of the Greco-Sinai Monastery. Until our time, only the bell tower and the profitable house next to the monastery have survived.

 

 

20. A long time ago, everyone who got to Podol tried to take a sip of water from the Samson fountain (again, one of the oldest in the City) - according to legend, this aqua vita brought good luck. Today, "Samson" is a closed-loop fountain, and you should not drink from it under any sauce.

 

21. For a long time, the Podolsk Upper and Lower ramparts, or rather the canal (later a ditch) between them, served as a natural boundary between the fashionable and unfashionable parts of the City. Living "beyond the ditch / across the ditch" was considered terribly unprestigious. In the course, there was even a corresponding curse.

 

22. There are practically no trees on Podolskaya Sagaydachnogo Street (they were removed during the construction of the metro in the 1970s). Almost the only green giant on this highway is an oak about 27 numbers.

 

23. The length of the funicular - a transport that lifts passengers from Postal Square to St. Michael's Cathedral - is only 222 meters.

 

 

24. The length of one of the oldest streets of the City - Vladimirskaya is almost three kilometers.

 

25. Walking along Vladimirskaya street, it makes sense to look into the courtyards hidden behind the walls of houses. For example, behind the facades of houses from 7 to 11, a wooden chapel and the foundation of a temple of the 12th century are hidden in the courtyard.

 

26. The bell tower of St. Sophia Cathedral reaches an impressive 76 meters in height.

 

27. One of the most visited McDonalds in the world is located near the Kyiv Central Railway Station. Typically over 2 million hungry mouths are served here annually.

 

28. One of the culinary symbols of the capital, gourmets recommend trying the Kyiv cutlet in the restaurants Spotykach (Vladimirskaya, 16), Rebra & Kotlety (Borisoglebskaya, 8/13). Of the fast-food options, the cutlet produced by the Pot-bellied Hata chain has the best fame.

 

29. In the Shevchenko Park, located opposite the main entrance to the Red Building of the University, not only mothers with children walk, but dozens of chess players often spend many hours fighting. This is their favorite place. On the other hand, the “old” Fomin Botanical Garden adjoins the Red Building - this is already a favorite place for university students.

 

 

30. Khreshchatyk - the widest Kyiv street: 75 meters from the house to house. But it cannot boast of a length, only 1.2 km.

 

31. The construction of Khreshchatyk began only at the very end of the 18th - beginning of the 19th century. Prior to that, poor people lived here for a long time, unable to buy apartments in prestigious areas of the City.

 

32. There is a place in the capital where you can taste oysters for only 29 UAH apiece. This is the "White filling" on Khreshchatyk - One euro bar, located opposite the Central Department Store. However, be prepared for rather big queues.

 

33. Practically on Khreshchatyk (more precisely, at its intersection with Bohdan Khmelnitsky, 3-a) there is another gastronomic feature of the capital - “Kyiv perepichka”. This famous sausage baked in the dough was first born back in 1981. And despite the fact that you have to stand in a long queue for the window with the coveted "perepichka", it has been one of the most popular fast foods in Kyiv for more than 35 years.

 

34. During the entire existence of Khreshchatyk, not a single church was erected here. For service to Hermes and entertainment, hands did not reach spirituality.

 

 

35. The 16-story hotel "Ukraine" (nee - "Moscow"), located on Independence Square, has long been proud of the title of the first tallest building in Kyiv and the second in all of Ukraine (Kharkiv House of Projects won the leadership).

 

36. One of the most interesting observation platforms in Kyiv, experts call the Schekavitsky “270-degree platform”. From here, in good weather, a huge part of the capital is visible: from the Wind Mountains to Podil and the Left Bank. You can find it by walking along Olegovskaya Street between houses 42 and 44 and finding a narrow passage between the garages on the right.

 

37. The world's only monument to a garbage truck is located on the capital's Gas Pipeline Street, 2. It was installed in 2004 in honor of the 35th anniversary of Kyivspetstrans.

 

38. The most famous of Kyiv parks - Volodymyrska Gorka "in deaf, gray-haired times" bore the name of St. Michael's Hill and belonged to the monks of St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery. The hill became a city park in the 19th century. The people of Kyiv especially fell in love with the opening here in 1853 of a monument to Prince Vladimir.

 

 

39. The name of the administrative and political center of the City - Pechersk is derived from the word "cave".

 

40. The building of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, built-in 1936-1938, was the first sign of the new republican administrative center created after the transfer of the capital from Kharkiv, and was originally intended for the NKVD of the Ukrainian SSR.

 

41. The large Lavra bell tower of one of the oldest monasteries of Kievan Rus - the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra was born in 1731-1745, its height is 96.5 meters. By the way, it is tilted 62 cm in a northeasterly direction.

 

42. The main cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra - Uspensky was destroyed in 1941, and both Nazis and Soviet saboteurs were accused of this. The restored shrine was opened in 2000.

 

43. In 1990, the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, which is visited annually by more than a million tourists, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In addition to the Lavra, the Ukrainian objects, it includes the Kyiv St. Sophia Cathedral, the historical center of Lviv, the points of the Struve geodetic arc, the beech forests of the Carpathians, the residence of the metropolitans of Bukovina, Tauric Chersonesus, and the wooden churches of the Carpathian region.

 

 

44. The longest in Kyiv is tram route No. 12, which runs from Kontraktova Square to Pushcha-Vodytsia and was opened back in 1900 (almost 20 kilometers).

 

45. Trukhanov Island got its name in time immemorial, in honor of Tugorkhan, the father-in-law of Prince Svyatopolk Izyaslavich, who built a palace for his spouse on the island.