5 Best Spring Activities to do In Seattle

What distinguishes this city from the rest is its friendly vibe and charming laid back demeanour, which complete with its elaborate nightlife scene, myriad attractions and vast cuisine makes Seattle a one of a kind destination in the world. While the place, with its plethora of offerings, is a true delight to visit year around, there are certain places in Seattle that are best visited in spring. Here we have accumulated a list of attractions that we deem to be a must visit in spring during your Seattle tours. Check them out!

1) Discovery Park

One of the best places to visit in spring, Discovery Park is packed with plenty of scenic views and a charming surrounding that lures nature lovers and recluse from all over the world. While there is no particular attraction to visit here, you can spend all your time walking along its coast, feeling the salty fresh air on your face and admiring as the waves come roaring to life. If not, take your favourite cocktail drink for a thorough indulgence. Being on the coastal side, it is accessible year around, but a detour in spring is certainly more engaging, given the weather is at its fine and tourists are comparatively less.

2) The Seattle Arboretum

A whiff of fresh air amid the hubbub of the concrete world, the park has established itself as a popular attraction among visitors and is a must-do on all Seattle sightseeing tours. With lush green surrounding, backed by serene vibes and a well maintained botanical garden, the Seattle Arboretum comes as a winner among all. But what lands it on this list the first place is its specific Japanese Garden which literally comes alive in spring when the beautiful spread of cherry blossoms sees their full bloom. The koi pond and bonsai plants only add to it. Come here and spend some time relishing its beauty while feeling your stress disappear.

3) The WAC

Spring is the season of cherry blossoms and if there is one place in Seattle to view it in their full bloom, apart from the arboretum, of course, it is WAC. The scenic beauty of this area in truly unmatchable. Pass through The Quad and you will know. A great place to take a nice leisurely stroll and spend some time in. If you are coming with family, even better! A visit to the WAC is considered to be one of the best tours in Seattle.

4) The Center For Wooden Boats

What started 25 years ago has today become one of the fun spring events in the city. Every Sunday a crew of adventure enthusiasts take the locals on a fun rendering water ride on spirit boats and schooners. If you are lucky, your visit to this place can even be accompanied by a yacht. Regardless, whatever you ride through, the surrounding views remains just as breathtaking and alluring. The Seattle skyline views can be quite intimidating, yet worth watching at least once in your lifetime.

5) Smith Tower

We all have heard about the Space Needle but what about this? Quite underrated, the towering Smith Tower is no less than the Space Needle when it comes to having the best views in the city. More popular among localities, the towering building provides equally engaging views and is quite frequented among natives as well. Walk around the premises and admire its gigantic structure, hike up to the top and spend some time there and finally once you are done seeing it all, go for a nice meal in the nearby cafes around.

Hope our list has helped you getting a perspective on the best places to visit in Seattle in Spring. It is very necessary to do a proper research to have the best Seattle tours by your side. So do your research, plan a trip and make the best of Seattle.

Ultimate Destinations in Europe To Visit This Summer Season

Europe needs no introduction. Every enthusiastic traveler’s bucket list has a European destination and what better time to visit the beautiful continent than summer? Excellent weather, plentiful sun and multi-hued festivities, Summer is undoubtedly the best time to visit Europe!

Feeling inspired and planning a vacation to Europe this summer? Here’s a list of the ultimate destinations in Europe that are perfect for your vacation, this summer season:

1. Rome, Italy

Why To Go: The city that showcases the best and the worst of the antiquity, Rome is one of the best destinations in Europe for a summer vacation. The city is perfect for a long escape as well as a short escape combined with other cities of the country. Rome has some of the most iconic monuments in the world and plenty of UNESCO world heritage sites that will leave you spell-bound. The city’s mind-boggling array of attractions might overwhelm at first and it is recommended to pick any of the Rome tours that will include a guided visit and skip-the-line access to major attractions, since Summer is when they are crowded the most.

Popular Attractions: Colosseum, Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Piazza Navona, Palatine Hill, Trevi Fountain, Vatican Museums, Gallery Borghese.

Best For: Art Lovers

Rome-Travel

2. Paris

Why To Go: The city of lights, Paris flaunts iconic monuments, out-and-out striking architecture and an eternal vibe of romance that makes it one of the most preferred cities for a honeymoon. The city is replete with stellar landmarks, excellent atmosphere replete of art, food and culture and is a wholesome vacation destination. Remember to buy the skip-the-line tickets for Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Versailles before your visit, since summer is the high season. Also, this is a perfect time to cruise the Seine River.

Popular Attractions: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Sacre Coeur, Palace of Versailles, Seine River, Museu d’Orsay, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triumph, Disneyland

Best For: Couples, Families, Art Lovers

Paris-Travel

3. London

Why To Go: The city, in a classical sense served as the capital of entire Europe and a focal point of the British Empire, which once, made its mark all over the world. Even today, the city flaunts its classic British monuments, buildings that exhale a regal characteristic. Hidden in its gothic structure, streets and classic pubs are a charm that displays how “Sun really never sets on the British Empire”. The city full of energy, the city practically has something for everyone. Summer is an ideal time to explore it’s outdoors, its beautiful bridges over the Thames and even plan short outings to nearby places.

Popular Attractions: Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Palace of Westminster London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Kensington Palace

Best For: Families, Couples

London-Travel

4. Barcelona

Why To Go: The city that houses artist and architect Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished Magnum Opus Sagrada Familia, Barcelona is an eclectic city dotted with structures that can stun you at the most unexpected moments. Its nightlife, its beaches, its huge streets and its mountains, along with its architecturally stunning structures like Sagrada Familia and Park Guell is a great destination, not just in Spain, but a whole of Europe. In Summer, the crowds are at peak and it is recommended to book the popular Barcelona tours like Montjuic Funicular ride, Visit Sagrada Familia and Montserrat in advance.

Popular Attractions: La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Parc de la Ciutadella, Casa Mila, Montserrat, Olympic City, Montjuic, Montserrat, La Rambla, Casa Batllo.

Best For: Architecture lovers, couples, Solo travelers

Barcelona-Travel

5. Zurich

Why To Go: Not just the largest city in Switzerland, the city of Zurich is known for its fine dining, wine and an impeccable array of museums and art galleries. The city is the perfect mix of the old and the new making it a desirable destination in Europe. Zurich also has picturesque natural beauty, all full of snow-capped mountains that glaze on a sunny day, dreamy River and tranquil lakes!

Popular Attractions: Lake Zurich, Swiss National Museum, Kunsthaus Zurich, Grossmunster, Uetliberg, Fraumünster, Bahnhofstrasse, Rietberg Museum

Best For: Solo Travellers, Backpackers

Zurich-Travel

6. Amsterdam

Why ToGo: The city of Amsterdam in most recognized for the canals that run through it, give it a dreamy appeal while the striking artwork of Van Gogh and the daunting Anne Frank House fill us with a sense of Melancholy that we love having! This very thing, plus its boho-chic appeal and abundant nightlife make Amsterdam one of the best places to visit. Roam around its alleys, go party-hopping, admire the artwork or take a canal ride, you’ll be amazed. The city is best to explore on a bike, and you can always pre-book bike tours in Amsterdam to save your spot!

Popular Attractions: Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, Rembrandt House Museum, Dam Square,

Best For: Solo Travellers, Backpackers

Amsterdam-Travel

7. Budapest

Why To Go: This Hungarian capital sits on the either sides of River Danube and dates back to the Celtic Tribes before it was conquered by the Romans, giving it an ethereal ancient charm. Along with its excellent feat in the fields of art, science, architecture and development, Budapest continues to be a charmer, with its array of monuments, vibrant nightlife and array of opportunities to eat., drink and party!

Popular Attractions: Buda Castle, Széchenyi thermal bath, Chain Bridge, Hosok Tere, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Matthias Church.

Best For: backpackers, Families

Budapest-Travel

8. Amalfi

Why To Go: Mind-blowing coastline, gorgeous Mediterranean Sea and amazing views, Amalfi is one of the most amazing sea-side towns in Europe, perfect for beach bums that want to get baked in the summer season. Head to Amalfi and opt for a stay at any of its swanky resorts or stay in nearby towns of Positano, Salerno, Ravello and enjoy a scooter ride along its winding roads all the way to Amalfi.

Popular Attractions: The beach! The Towns! The Mountains!

Best For: Couples, families

Perfect for a summer sojourn, these European destinations await you! Explore online tours and activities to any of these and make this summer, an affair to remember!

Amalfi-Travel

Source - https://medium.com/@jeniferlevis71/ultimate-destinations-in-europe-to-visit-this-summer-season-f836fbf415b1

Top Tips to Visit Amsterdam

Visiting Amsterdam is a great idea. Amsterdam is a city having many historical places, museums, canals etc. It is famous for its rich artistic heritage. You can plan a trip to visit Amsterdam on your holidays. It can be a great trip among your favorite trips. You can select accommodation near a particular attraction which is the top priority to you and enjoy your trip to Amsterdam. Some tips are discussed here to visit Amsterdam. These are:

Anne Frank House -

Anne Frank house Amsterdam is one of the most famous places of Amsterdam to visit. The opening hours of the Anne Frank House depend on the particular season of visiting. During the summer it remains opened until 9 pm. You must not forget to include it in your Amsterdam trip. You can buy the tickets of the Frank house online to avoid a long queue. Buying tickets in advance for the Frank house is a good idea.

Anne frank museum

Stay In Jordaan -

Jordaan is a famous place of Amsterdam. This place is filled with restaurants, clothing shops, and cafes. It is situated around a dam. This area is at the twenty minutes walk distant from the central station. You will get tasty apple pie and great cappuccino at Noordermarkt. The facility of the hotel is available in this place. You can get the hotel as per your choice. You should have good journey guide to visit Amsterdam.

Jordaan

Visit the Nemo Science Museum & Rijksmuseum -

Nemo science museum is famous in Amsterdam. This place is perfect for the kids and for those who are young in heart. This museum is looking like a ship.Museum located betwwen the Oosterdokseiland and the Kattenburg. You will surely enjoy in this great place. 

The Rijksmuseum is another great museum. While enjoying vacation in Amsterdam you must visit this place. There is the facility of bike riding around the museum. In this museum, there are the highlights of the Dutch artists like Vermeer and Rembrandt. These museums give you the opportunity to come close to these artists.

Rijksmuseum

Vondelpark -

The Vondelpark is a renowned place in Amsterdam. There is a facility to accommodate football, bicycling. Here you can enjoy a perfect picnic. The Vondelpark is host to music and dance in the warm months. The Vondelpark is the largest park in the city. 

Vondelpark

Visit Amstelveen -

Amstelveen is situated at the southern part of Amsterdam. You can travel in Amstelveen. Horses can be rented for riding in the lovely wooded area. You can enjoy a horse ride in this place.

Enjoy Boat Ride

You can enjoy an amazing boat ride in Amsterdam. You may do the canal cruise. You can borrow the boat from a local person of Amsterdam. 

There are some safety tips while planning your trip to Amsterdam. These are:

• You should look the both sides of road when you cross bike lane. You have to be more careful while crossing road.
• Pre-purchasing of the tickets online is the smart idea to avoid the long queue.
• Though Amsterdam is the safe city you have to be careful about pickpockets in the massive crowd.

So, these are the tips which will be beneficial for your remarkable trip to Amsterdam.

Fun Things to Do in Seattle

Home to vivid and diverse landscapes, Seattle charms everyone who had either been here already or wishes to come here in future. Though there is no end in the number of things you can do and enjoy here, the place has some unique and fun attractions that are must to experience once in your lifetime. To help you with that, we have compiled a list of fun things without which Seattle tours are literally incomplete! Read on to know.

1) Gummy Side of Pike Place Market -

Pike Place Market is undoubtedly one of the most visited places in the city and popular among tourists for many things. From a range of shops selling literally everything to restaurants and fun activities, there is hardly anything that is not possible here. But there is one side to it that many people overlook during their detour and that is its Post Alley Gum Wall. The sticky wall is totally covered in chewed gum and resides near the Market Theatre's Box office. It is also the gateway to the more secluded and intimidating places of the Pike Place Market that you may avoid if you are a faint heart. Watch the gummy wall, then move on to visit the city's first mortuary in Market's Ghost Tour.

2) The Famous Cabaret in Seattle -

Cabaret Show has always been a part of Seattle and is definitely something not to miss. While it may not be a unique idea in the list, it is certainly worth doing. Go to any hip restaurant in the city like Can Can Kitchen and Club No and you will be treated with a lavish flavorful time coupled with a nice cabaret show and intriguing musical. The cabaret shows of Seattle dates back to 18th century and is an integral part of city's culture. What started as a form of entertainment today represents the classic side of Seattle.

3) Tune into Zoo Tunes in Woodland Park

The idea of a concert in a park, more like a zoo, is just as bizarre as anything else. Yet it happens! And it happens beautifully! With myriads of people gracing the arena. The annual music festival called Zoo Tunes takes place in the Woodland Park Zoo every year in June and has welcomed many performers till date. It is undoubtedly one of the best tours in Seattle. The festival includes the quintessential seattllite music along with various other genres. The place is also close to memorials and residence of some great musicians. There is Jimi Hendrix Memorial in African Savanah where you can stop by for a reminisce.

4) Venture into Strange

One of the strangest parks in the world, Gas Works Park will astound you on your visit. The place is home to numerous gas plants or rather the pieces of them. The rusting metal structures strangely contrast against the greens of the surrounding and create and engaging view for everyone. They are like sculpture which you can view and admire during your visit. You can come here to spend some nice time with books and read. Shutterbugs will get a lot to enjoy here as it provides great panoramic views from up there.

While there are many other places that you can still visit, like The Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle Aquarium, Seward Park we suggest including the above-mentioned places in your list of Best Seattle Tours.

7 Must Visit Iconic Museums in Washington D.C.

Being the capital city, Washington DC sure is loaded with some of the most spectacular attractions. These also double up as the must visit iconic museums in Washington DC. From history, art, space to even something as eccentric as a news museums, the District of Columbia covers you on sensory delights and unmatchable enlightenment. Sign up for Washington DC tours to get the best out of these icons!

1. Smithsonian Institution

Having a “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge” purpose of establishment, the Smithsonian Institution is an 18th century gem. The institution holds so much national significance that it was once called the United States National Museum, along with “the nation’s attic”. Brilliant specimens assemble a rich collection of artifacts and works of art. Being the largest institution of museums and research complex in the world, this institution also has a zoo!

Smithsonian Institution

2. National Museum of Natural History

It is necessary to note that, all the national museums in Washington DC are a fragment of the Smithsonian Institution. Essentially a natural history museum, the National Museum of Natural History is a must on your list of things to do in Washington DC. Free entry, enhances the appeal of this very informative museum. Here you get to observe millions of the most unusual specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, human remains, and human cultural artifacts.

National Museum of Natural History

3. National Air and Space Museum

The NASM is a patent on all the Best tours in Washington DC owing to the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world it holds. Millions flock to this National Air and Space museum annually making it the fifth most visited museum in the world. The main draws of the museum are the spaceflights Apollo 11 and Mercury-Atlas 6. All displays are backups pf original crafts if not the original craft itself.

National Air and Space Museum

4. National Museum of American History

An incredible collection of the American heritage including objects from the fields of social, scientific, military history political, and cultural. People are drawn to this museum given its premier attraction of the garrison flag of Star-Spangled Banner. Sprawling its three massive floors are the many archives throwing light on the continents history. You cannot stop getting mesmerized by the sculptures in it outdoors too.

5. National Gallery of Art

A place that is soaked in the art and creativity of some of the most popular art forms from all over the word, the National Gallery of Art is got to be on your list of things to do in Washington DC. Popular artists have bestowed the museum with their personal collection. These include art majesties like Samuel H. Kress, Lessing J. Rosenwald, and Joseph E. Widener. Magnificent works of art and sculpting is what you must look forward to here.

National Gallery of Art

6. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The United States’ official memorial to the Holocaust, this museum renders great insights about the Holocaust history. So, you can get some brilliant information in the form of interpretation, documentation and study of America’s bygone Holocaust era.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

7. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is not just another art museum but America’s premier art collection center. Initiated as the United States’ museum of contemporary and modern art, this attraction today displays a collection, mainly of art made during the last 50 years; post–World War II period essentially. Unsurprisingly, the architecture of this museum too, in not any less striking. The building’s sculpture is a genesis of constructing something strikingly contrasting to the city’s infrastructure. All the best Washington DC tours have this museum as a part of their itinerary.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Originally published at https://www.saddahaq.com/must-visit-iconic-museums-in-washington-dc

BEST THINGS TO DO IN SAN FRANCISCO DURING THIS FALL

The proud owner of the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is one of the important cities of California. The mountain king of American continent, San Francisco has one of the best weathers around the world. The weather of this city is mostly pleasant, except in winters when the snow showers are little wayward and pinching. Fall is the best time to visit this beautiful city when most of the sight-seeing tours take place and also a time for some of the coolest events on the place. And who can forget the Halloween! The place can be amusing as well as freakish at the same time, appears as if casting an enchantment during the fall time.

Wondering what to do in this fabulous city? Here is a suggested list of things to do in San Francisco-

Around the City -

Fall in San Francisco invites for a host of private tours. Also the state organises guided tours. Napa and Sonoma’s famous country wine tours, Walking tours around Chinatown, food tours in North Beach; the Little Italy of San Francisco, are some of the famous tourist trips that take place during the Fall . Explore the magnificent city by taking a go-car tour. Architecture and the City is a festival and guided tour organised by the state for witnessing the classic architecture and buildings of the city.

Go for Sightseeing -

Although San Francisco attractions are ideal to visit at any time of the year, they receive more than usual crowd during the months of September to November. Some of the most famous places for sightseeing are -

• Golden Gate Park - which is one of the biggest parks of the USA and is spread over a vast expanse of land and has various in house attractions.
• Alcatraz Island - is a remote hilltop situated in San Francisco Bay with a lighthouse. The hilltop receives a flick of migratory birds during the season. One of the important landmarks in the history of San Francisco, the place is now an archaeological site and a famous weekend cruise getaway.
•  Fisherman’s Warf - is a place to experience seafood done well.
• Aquarium of the Bay - Aquarium of the Bay is public aquarium in San Francisco. Home to hundreds of marine animals
• Cable Car Museum - free museum in SF.  Cable Car Museum Home to the only cable car system in the world.

Trick or Treat! -

When talking about the fall of San Francisco, Halloween is a sure no miss out. During the month of October, a host of Halloween parties spice up the festive mood of the city. Ghost ship, Jam Band Family Festival, Halloween in the Castro are some of the popular Halloween get together over here. Jam Band Family Festivals is a concert and also hosts family Halloween suitable for all ages. Halloween in the Castro is one of the popular and oldest Halloween parties organised for LGBT people. Take your little ones for a Disney Halloween at Mickey’s Halloween Party in Disneyland Museum.

It’s Party Time! -

San Francisco people are known for their spirit of fun and merry-making. Along with normal gathering and festivities the place hosts a lot of public concerts, food festivals and a lot more. Treat your palate with your love of chocolate at Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival, Folsom Street Festival showcases the following of BDSM relationships and is annual leather fair where people attire themselves in leather suits acting as either a dominant or as a submissive. Re live your passion for Greek cuisine with A Taste of Greece; a Greek food festival, witness international performances and dance based films at San Francisco Dance Film Festival. The Wharf Fest, Fiesta on the Hill, Fleet Week, Hardly strictly Bluegrass; are some of the notable popular events of San Francisco.

Shopping -

San Francisco has some of the best fleet of street markets around the world. Bay Area Blues festival is an open fair famous for street shopping, arts and crafts. Also Haight Street Market, Treasure Island Flea market, Alameda Point Antiques Faire are some of the important ones on the place for shopping and enjoying at the streets of the city. If you are looking for some of the vintage shopping areas then, Alemany Flea market, Schauplatz Clothing as well as stores such as Freda Salvador, Neiman Marcus and Barneys New York are a good option. Also SF Art Market at Justin Herman Plaza is a good place for apparel and art shopping.

So when are you planning to visit San Francisco?