With a population of over 1 million, Auckland is the largest metropolitan area in New Zealand and all indications are that it will continue to grow rapidly. Often known as the “City of Sails” for the huge number of yachts that grace the Waitemata Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf, it is also known as the “City of Volcanoes” which comes from the fact that it is built on the Auckland Volcanic Field which consists of approximately 50 volcanoes. The individual volcanoes are all considered extinct, although the Volcanic Field itself is merely idle.
One of the largest and oldest parks in the city is Auckland Domain in which it lies mostly within the crater of the Pukekawa Volcano. Other parks around the city are located in Western Springs which has a large park bordering the Auckland Zoo and the MOTAT museum. Located downtown is the Sky Tower. This large observation and telecommunications tower is over 328 m (1,076 ft) tall making it the tallest free standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere and offers great views of the city. There is even an option to Sky Jump off the tower at speeds of up to 85 km/h for travelers who are more on the risk-taking side. A few other downtown attractions are museums, such as the Auckland war memorial museum that houses an amazing collection on New Zealand history from prehistoric times to the present, and natural sights such as Mount Eden, a volcanic cone with a grassy crater. It’s the highest point in the city offering breathtaking views not to be missed.
Auckland consists of many different cultures. The majority of inhabitants are European, however, Pacific Islander and Asian communities exist as well. Mild climate, educational and employment opportunities, as well as multiple leisure facilities gives a positive aspect of life in Auckland.
Considered to be one of the world’s tourist hot spots, Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and is a huge and modern city beaming with nightlife and versatility with an estimated population of over 11 million. Bangkok, known as “The City of Angels”, has a large range of attractions to visit. From Temples (The Grand Palace) to some of Asia’s largest shopping centers and the largest outdoor market of Asia (Chatuchak), Bangkok definitely has what it takes to captivate travelers from all origins, either first timers or return visitors.
Perhaps one of the most interesting temples in the whole of Thailand, Wat Pho features the famous Reclining Buddha statue. It is an astounding 46 meters long and is covered with gold leaf. Visitors to Wat Pho passing through the temple doors (after removing their shoes) are permitted to view the statue. In addition to the temple itself, Wat Pho contains a gorgeously designed garden complete with fountains and statues as well as a massage centre.
Thai cuisines as well as the delicacies from street side vendors are definitely a crucial part of the Thai culture, therefore of any stay in Bangkok. Various types of restaurants are nevertheless available to fit any budget and surpass any expectations. Recently opened roof top venues provide stunning views of the city whilst sipping cocktails and waiting for the nightlife to begin.
A stay in Bangkok would not be complete without visiting any of the numerous night bazaars (opened from 5-midnight with a selected few opened later) that make themselves visible as soon as the sun goes down. A large beer garden, with a variety of food and live entertainment is available for the parched and hungry. Also, a day trip to the floating markets near Bangkok is a very unique and unforgettable experience. It has managed to escape the pressures of tourism and remain close to its roots. Travelers will find traditional Thai food here, as well as locally produced fruits and vegetables. Not many visitors make it to the Bang Phli Floating Market so it remains a real gem for people who are searching for the “real” Thailand.
Amsterdam, located in the province of North Holland in the west of the country, is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands.
Amsterdam is a joy to visit any time of year. There are countless parade of festivals and events during the summer such as the Koninginnedag (Queens’s Day), the Holland Festival for the performing arts and the Gay Pride parade. The entire city becomes overcrowded with hundreds of thousands of people traveling to Amsterdam to celebrate with the city’s residents.
The amount of things to do in Amsterdam can be overwhelming. Receiving more than 3.66 million international visitors annually, Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The most well known area in Amsterdam is the Red Light District, known for it’s sex shops, sex theatres, peep shows, sex museums and legalized prostitution and cannabis, which has become a famous tourist attraction. There are several museums to visit such as the Van Gogh Museum which is dedicated to his early work, as well as Rijksmuseum which houses Rembrandt’s work along with his pupils’. Amsterdam contains many other museums throughout the city that range from small ones such as the Anne Frank House to the large, like the Joods Historisch Museum.
Above all, Amsterdam city center is physically petite and relatively quiet where bicycles are the transport of choice for most Amsterdammers cruising along on many traffic free streets. The city continues to attract and appeal to people of all ages and from all walks of life.
ACCRA is the capital and largest city in Ghana and also doubles as the capital of the Greater Accra Region and of the Accra Metropolitan District with which it borders on.
Spreading along the Atlantic coast, the city is well endowed with luxury as well as great value hotels, restaurants and decent night clubs. A range of great museums and fine public monuments, modern businesses and commercial areas, as well as busy markets and tree-lined residential suburbs, is ready to be explored. The Accra metropolis hosts the National Museum, which offers visitors a look at Ghanaian history and culture from prehistory to the present; the National Theatre, with its distinctive modern Chinese architecture; and the National Cultural Centre, whose arts and crafts bazaar and traditional textile market is the best place to find traditional handicrafts from all over Ghana.
A love of festivals is a common feature of all Ghanaian culture where locals dress up in their finest traditional attire and tourists are welcome to join in. Accra is a country whose tremendous cultural diversity both stimulates and captivates visitors, drawing them into a daily balance that is unmistakably African.
Acapulco is one of the most exciting cities in the world. Famous for its bursting nightlife, picturesque beaches, unlimited watersports, well-known resorts and gourmet restaurants, it’s easy to understand why Acapulco is Mexico’s biggest tourist resort.
Acapulco is draped with a variety of great beaches where the water is always warm and the sun is always shining. Travelers can enjoy incredible water adventures or lay under the warmth of the sun and soak up all the rays in this city that boasts sunshine nearly everyday of the year.
One of the “must sees” in Acapulco is La Quebrada cliff divers. A group of professional high divers that perform daily shows for the public which involves diving 45 meters (148 ft) from the cliffs of La Quebrada into the crashing water below and often hold torches during night performances.
There is no doubt that Acapulco is one of the most popular and favorited destinations amungst teenagers and adults alike. With the incredible food, breath-taking beaches and nightclubs, who can blame them?