The most overrated tourist attractions in Paris, France – Part 2

If not overrated, would they still be tourist attractions at all? Like every must see city in the world, there are token icons in Paris that are a must during a visit. At least for the first visit anyway.

Paris is home to several iconic tourist attractions that are known world wide. Possibly the most famous of all would definitely be the Eiffel Tower. When we think of France, often an image of the breath-taking phallic symbol is planted firmly in our minds, and why not? It is as startling and unique to behold as you expect it to be. And we simply cannot stop at just seeing the tower once. We need to see it at different times of the day. The Eiffel Tower during the day. The Eiffel Tower at night. Yes, this is certainly the most famous tourist attraction in all of Paris, but that does not necessarily mean it is over rated. Of course for some, a large tower that holds no real purpose might be a disappointment, but for most, it will live up to expectation.

Thanks to the recent fame of Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code, the Louvre museum has shot to massive popularity. This museum, which is home to some of the worlds most famous paintings was already popular prior to the book, but now so many tourists are flocking there just to see for themselves the amazing glass pyramid. I have certainly heard on more than one occasion that the Louvre’s glass pyramid is by far one of the most overrated tourist attractions of all time, and that instead it is a disappointment that such a project was even allowed in the city of romance. However, for others, this dome is truly remarkable and much worth the visit, as is the massive museum that would take days to truly explore in detail.

Paris is full of art galleries and museums. To some, the thought of spending days exploring the masterpieces and history of these places is very appealing, but to others, the whole concept is very overrated and downright boring.

There is also the Notre Dame Cathedral. This cathedral is among the most famous in the world and another of the must-see tourist stops. But does it really deliver? The cathedral offers remarkable gothic architecture and design, but compared to cathedrals in other parts of the world, it really does not measure up quite so well.

So yes, Paris is filled with overrated tourist attractions, but usually an attraction is overrated for a reason. For every person who finds them unsatisfactory, its quite likely there will be another ten who were completely spellbound. There are overrated tourist attractions in every country, but not taking the time to see them leaves your journey to these cities incomplete. So do the tourist thing, kiss under the Eiffel Tower, take photos outside the Louvre and marvel at the Notre Dame architecture. Its okay to enjoy them, even if they are overrated.

Top five tourist attractions in the USA – Part 20

In this uncertain economic climate finding vacation destinations that don’t break the bank but are still fun has become the choice of many travelers. But where do you go? The possibilities are endless. I have narrowed it down to five, and let me say that my list is a list of “tourist attractions”, not “tourist traps.” There is a huge difference. So, if you are looking for amusement parks and trendy beaches you will have to go somewhere else.

I will start with the obvious, the Grand Canyon. It really should be a requirement of all US citizens to see the Grand Canyon at least once in their lifetime. To really get a feel for the canyon, however, you need to spend at least a few days. Camping is my personal choice, but there are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from if roughing it isn’t your style. If you plan on going down into the canyon dead summer probably isn’t the best time to visit as it can reach triple digits at the bottom. Spring and fall are best for these types of excursions. However, the weather can be unpredictable. We came upon the canyon in the spring and saw nothing due to a freak blizzard and white out conditions. Just check the weather and plan accordingly.

Let’s move on to yet another natural wonder, Niagara Falls. Ok, so I realize this one could possibly fall under the category of tourist traps, but not if you are smart. To avoid the “traps” stay away from gift shops and street vendors and bring your own ponchos. I personally like the Canadian side more, but then it wouldn’t be a US attraction, so for the purposes of this article we will stick to the American side of the falls. Either way you are going to get wet and have fun. If you can, take the ferry ride. You will get some amazing photos of rainbows. It is as if this is where rainbows are created and then sent off into the rest of the world. Even without the ferry, however, you can still get pretty close to the falls and also get pretty wet. It is loud and amazing and breath taking.

Falling Water in Mill Run, PA is a little gem of a place that most people have never heard of. This amazing example of American architecture was built in 1939 and designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Designed for the Kaufman family, the entire home was planned and a built to incorporate the surrounding woods and waterfalls. Trees grow through living rooms, rocks form nooks and crannies perfect for hide and seek, and water flows freely through much of the house. Of course, the surrounding

A Guide To The Museums Of London

The capital of Great Britain, London is one of the most beautiful cities of the world. London is one of the major global cities of the world. The City has great influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion and the arts of the world.

London is a great tourist destination, with four world heritage sites and numerous iconic landmarks such as Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum and the National Gallery, and the London Eye amongst its many attractions.

London is famous for its museums and art galleries. The City is home to some of the world famous museums. Some of the famous museums of London are listed below.

The British Museum: Situated north of Covent Garden, on Great Russell Street, and just east of Oxford Street’s main shopping drag, the British Museum is one of the best museums of the world. It is the world’s largest museum offering an extensive collection of over 200,000 objects.

Sir John Soane’s Museum: It is a miniature British Museum. Sir John Soane’s Museum offers a great collection of Hogarth prints. The museum can be visited thru one of walks that include the Inns of Court and the Masonic Temple.

The Natural History & Science Museums: Located on Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, the Natural History & Science Museums is one of the major tourist attractions of London. The museum offers a collection of over 300,000 items, such as Stephenson’s Rocket, Puffing Billy, the first jet engine, etc.

The Victoria and Albert Museum: Located on the corner of Cromwell Gardens and Exhibition Road in South Kensington, west London, The Victoria and Albert Museum is a huge museum of culture. Often, abbreviated as the V&A, the museum specializes in applied and decorative arts.

The Imperial War Museum: The Imperial War Museum Lambeth, London, featuring military vehicles, weapons, war memorabilia, a library, a photographic archive, and an art collection of 20th century and later conflicts, especially those involving Britain, and the British Empire. The Museum also has several other branches in the United Kingdom.

The National Maritime Museum (NMM): Based primarily in Greenwich adjacent to Greenwich Park, The National Maritime Museum is the leading maritime museum of the United Kingdom. Created under the National Maritime Act of 1934, the NMM offers a wide and varied collection of exhibits relating to Britain’s extensive naval heritage.

The Geffrye Museum: Located in Shoreditch, East London, The Geffrye Museum is named after Sir Robert Geffrye, former Lord Mayor of London. The Museum is devoted to British furniture, textiles, paintings and decorative arts.

The Museum of Garden History: Located in the deconsecrated parish church of St Mary-at-Lambeth adjacent to Lambeth Palace on the south bank of the River Thames in London, The Museum of Garden History offers a great collection comprising three main categories; tools, ephemera and a library.

The Horniman Museum: Based in Forest Hill, South London, The Horniman Museum is specializes in anthropology, natural history and musical instruments and has a collection of 350,000 objects. The museum was designed by Charles Harrison Townsend.

The Museum of London: Located in a 1970s building close to the Barbican Centre, approximately 10 minutes’ walk north of St Paul’s Cathedral, The Museum of London documents the history of London from the Palaeolithic to the present day.

Madame Tussaud’s London: Located on Marylebone Road, London, Madame Tussaud’s is a famous wax museum set up by wax sculptor Marie Tussaud. The museum has branches in Amsterdam, Las Vegas, New York City, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Some of the other museums of London include Bruce Castle Museum, Buckingham Palace, Canada House Gallery, Charles Dickens Museum, Cartoon Museum, Freud Museum, Handel House Museum, National Army Museum, and Transport Museum.

Singapore Tourist Attractions You Must Visit

There are certain places in specific countries that define them. Some come easily to mind, with the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Le Arch De Triumph in the same country. The Egyptians have the pyramids or the famous gold markets and Italy has their museums, the Vatican and of course the ever famous leaning tower. Singapore is no different from this and there are many Singapore tourist attractions that you must visit, packed into a small island nation. It is amazing in itself that Singapore, with its diminutive size has been able to pack in so much culture, tradition and entertainment every where a visitor turns and here is a quick overview of the Singapore tourist attractions you must visit.

I think one of the main attractions is the food of Singapore, something everyone must taste before they depart the country. Local delights are a source of pride for every Singaporean because they carry with it that special touch and flavour that make them unique to this island nation. Tourists should always visit areas like Little India, Chinatown and Arab Street to taste some of the best local delights that Singapore has to offer. Not only do can they recognise the different ethnic enclaves and slices of our multinational and multicultural society. Enjoy true local Chinese delights in any of the coffee shops and shop houses that pepper these locations – at the same time enjoy the rich sights and sounds of these places over a steaming cup of a local favourite. There is nothing like immersing oneself in a sensory experience, smell, touch, taste – all while viewing the rich tapestry of culture draped all around – from preserved old architecture to colloquial slangs.

You have not experienced Singapore without experiencing some of the more famous talk abouts among the visitor circles. Dont forget to visit the Central Business District and be amazed by the sight of the tall skyscrapers touching the clouds in an arrangement that has graced post cards and brochures all over the world. Be awed by the Esplanade and its titillating architectural design. Relax by the Singapore River, party in Asia’s first floating event platform and soar above all your expectation with the Singapore Flyer – larger than the London Eye by a long shot – giving you a great view of the island.

If you love the beach then your trip will not be complete without visiting Sentosa – Singapore’s very own separate island beach. Literally meaning tranquillity, this engineered beach is a picture of perfection, from calm waters and beautiful sandy beaches. Within Sentosa itself is attractions, events and things to do that you wont have enough hours of the day to complete.

Singapore is a 24 hour a day entertainment hub, and no matter how weird your sleeping patterns, you will always find something to do. There are so many Singapore tourist attractions you must visit, you could not possibly do them all in a single trip. From cultural locales to a busy central district – there is more than one way to be amazed.

Find Out About The Finest Things To Do In London

With fantastic galleries, amazing sports and fabulous sights, London is one of the much popular globetrotter destinations in the world.



London has a really diverse population and over 300 languages are spoken within the city. According to 2006 statistics, it has a population of 7512400, which means it is the most populous municipality in the european union and the second most populous in Europe.



London have been picked as the hosts of the summer olympics in 2012.



In 1863, bad traffic congestion on roads in london led to the construction of the world’s first metro system, the london underground.



The city was bombed badly around the 2nd world war & plenty people died. following the war, plenty buildings in the city had to be rebuilt.



Following world war ii, immigration transformed London into one of the most diverse cities in Europe. Immigration wasn’t always smooth, as there were big race riots in notting hill and brixton, but intergration was certainly smoother than in other british regions.



London is renowned for its fabulous museums & galleries. One of the best-known museums is the v&a, which was built in 1852. it’s the world’s largest museum of art and design with a permanent exhibition of over 4 1/2 million objects. nowadays, the museum covers a huge 12 1/2 acres & 145 art galleries. it’s a massive tourist attraction &, in 2006, it received 2,400,000 visitors.



Needless to say that the shopping in London is the best in england. In fact, the city boasts a wide variety of famous shops, comprising of Harrods & Hamleys.



Camden Town is well known for its alternative stores & fabulous market. it’s a diverse location, which sells everything from retro clothes to music.



Alternatively, shop lovers should head to knightsbridge or mayfair for the more high-end shops. you will find some marvellous designer brands in this vip area.



London has exciting art gallery, which we’re sure that everyone will find exciting. From exciting shops, to vip night clubs and cocktail bars, there’s something for everyone in London.



One of the most well known night clubs is the Embassy, which is a members club on Old Burlington st. The club is quite expensive, but it is full of celebrities and exciting for star spotting. in addition to this, it serves exciting food by michelin starred Garry Hollihead.



We hope that you have enjoyed our london tourist guide. If you require many more reports, ring with your local excursionist information centre.

What Are The Main Tourist Attractions In Europe?

People who love to travel the world and enjoy discovering interesting, amazing, fun-filled and intriguing sites are often drawn to the attractions in Europe. With such a vast Array of tourist attractions and diverse destinations, which are all in fairly close proximity, Europe is undoubtedly a great place to take a vacation.

Whether the traveler wants to enjoy a wonderfully romantic vacation, an engaging and activity-filled family vacation, or just a leisurely, quiet and relaxing getaway, European destinations should be on high on the list potential travel spots. With an Array of attractions in every European country, there is going to be something that appeals to everyone, since there is a multitude of things to see and to do. There are many, very valid reasons why a European vacation consistently stands out as a favorite of world travelers, since it includes some of the best travel destinations in the world.

There is an amazing amount of history that one can see in diverse attractions in towns and cities all across Europe. For the traveler who is enthralled with ancient history, the venerable ruins and museums of both Greece and Rome are sites that simply must not be missed and which are always a strong draw.

In addition, Rome also holds an enormous amount of religious significance for countless people. Rome not only houses several beautiful and noteworthy Christian cathedrals, it is also the portal to the Vatican and Vatican city, which is actually a tiny country in and of itself.

There are also fabulous historical attractions in other cities and countries of Europe as well. The formidable medieval castles and spectacular cathedrals that can be found throughout Spain, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and many other countries are fascinating for travelers to explore, as most tours of castles and cathedrals are more like fabulous art history and art museum excursions.

These medieval attractions in all parts of Europe also provide the visitors with unique insights into the lives of the people who lived in the middle ages. Walking through the courtyards, halls, and sanctuaries that were built through the hard work, craftsmanship, and devotion of the people of the time provides a connection to those responsible for the creation of these spectacular monuments that are still enjoyed and marveled at today.

Ireland is host to some amazing insights into their rich and ancient culture. The emerald isle has many peaceful local attractions throughout the serene and charming towns and the beautiful coastlines and landscapes of the island, as well as many splendid cathedrals and chapels from antiquity to explore.

The countries of Germany, Poland and France provide sobering and meaningful tourist attractions, as they are a connection to the two world wars and the cold war which held so many people of Europe in control for so many decades. The history museum sites in those countries help visitors understand the tragedies of war and the triumph of freedom and democracy.

On a less somber note, the countries of Italy, Spain and Greece each have a multitude of beaches that are sun drenched most of the year and are the perfect place for a couple that is looking for a bit of romance and a respite from the more hectic attractions in the cities. There are countless resorts on every section of the Mediterranean shore that will welcome and pamper the weary travelers.

Top five tourist attractions in the USA – Part 2

There are so many tourist attractions in the United States that are considered the top attractions by many tourists. The attractions that draw tourists to their destinations year after year would be deemed the best and the top ones in the United States. These attractions usually draw hundreds if not thousands of people every year and it is the people who are drawn to these places in search of some fun and relaxation. Here are the top five tourist attractions that I would recommend in the United States.

Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia is one of the best places to go if you are in search of adventure and also want to know some of the United States history. Colonial Williamsburg is such a beautiful place and is one of my favorite places. I met my future husband in Williamsburg when we met for the first time and it is such a magical choice. You are able to actually enjoy the ambiance and the historical places that is Williamsburg. There is so much to do here, you have to go there to experience it all. The people actually dress up in costume and everything is like it was back then. It is a remarkable place to be and as I said, you have to experience it to understand the feeling that it gives you. One of my top five US attractions.

Hershey, Pennsylvania

Hershey, Pennsylvania is another magical place to be and to explore. This is the home of Hershey chocolate and where it is made. Also here is the Hershey Park where you can enjoy the many thrill rides and the action that goes on in the Park. Also here is the Hershey Museum and many other attractions that one can enjoy. In the midst of it all, there are bed and breakfasts where you will can enjoy and not even realize that just a few miles down the road is the Park and the business district. You can do so much here that I consider this one of the top attractions in the US.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

Dorney Park is one of the top attractions in the United States that has the most and the best thrill rides of any other attraction. They have some of the best roller coasters and water rides that I have ever seen. They also have a water park called Wildwater Kingdom where you can ride water rides and also enjoy a wave pool where actual waves form and you feel like you are not in a pool but on the beach. It is one of the best places that I have ever been that I have experienced rides that I have never experienced before. I highly recommend this as one of the top five attractions.

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

One of the most magical places that I have ever been growing up and I always remember my times fondly. It is where dreams can come true and magic is always around. You get to visit a castle, see your favorite cartoon characters, ride some of the best rides around, enjoy the place, walk down Main Street, do shopping, watch magical parades and see some of the best fireworks around. Once you go here, you will never want to go home and you will always want to come back. It is a place of magic and a place that you can always remember. Definitely one of the top five tourist attractions in the US.

New York City

I picked New York City as one of the top five tourist attractions because it is one of the best places to visit and you will always want to go back for more. It is a city that has Broadway shows, museums, and so much more to explore. You can do whatever you want here and have some of the most fun while there. You can catch shows, do shopping, walk the streets, visit Manhattan, visit Rockerfeller Center and see the Rockettes perform, eat at some of the best restaurants and more. It is a place of endless possibilities and I highly recommend this city.

London Vacation Attractions

London is among the most famous cities in the whole world. Millions of tourists flock to it every year, but most of them are not able to explore the entire city and witness its grandeur. Thus many visitors return to London during several vacations to relish more of its wonderful attractions. If you are yet to see this beautiful city, or if you have already went there but still want to see more of what it can offer, consider visiting the following attractions that will truly make your visit unforgettable:

1. The Tower of London – one of the most important sites in the great city. Consider yourself not being in London if you have not been to this attraction. This medieval fortress houses the world famous Crown Jewels. It is also known as a prison and execution sites of many of England’s historical icons including Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard, and the Duke of Norfolk.

2. The Tower Bridge – this drawbridge serves as the easternmost entry of Thames. It also has a museum which allows tourists to walk along the old pedestrian paths to have a great view of the city. It is a must see for any London vacation.

3. The London Eye – this is one of the newest attractions in the city, created by the British Airways. It is a giant Ferris Wheel that sports 32 closed capsules that allow people to have a 360-degree view of the great historical city. A great theme park, this can make a vacation fun for any age.

4. Westminster Abbey – this famous religious site is known for being the venue for many coronations of English monarchs as well as their burial. It boasts of great architecture that exemplifies the style of the 13th and 16th centuries.

5. The British Museum – an art and history museum. This attraction is home to one of the world’s largest collections of antiquities from ancient Rome, Greece, and Asia. It also houses artifacts from prehistoric and ancient Britain.

6. The Buckingham Palace – you probably know this as the home of the British Royal Family. Be sure not to miss the changing of the guards, which is one of London’s iconic attractions.

7. The Houses of Parliament – this site combines three attractions in one. It is the location of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, and the Big Ben, which is probably the most recognizable attraction in the city. It exemplifies great gothic architecture from the Victorian era.

8. The National Gallery – this gallery is home to a great collection of European paintings. The great thing about this attraction is that the entrance is free. The permanent collection encompasses paintings from 1250 to 1900 from Western Europe.

9. St. Paul’s Cathedral – this historic site has been the venue of many notable events such as the funeral of Winston Churchill and the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales. It is an architectural masterpiece rebuilt by renowned Christopher Wren in 1710. This is also one of London’s attractions that offers a great view of the city, with its 530-stair high gallery.

10. Shakespeare’s Globe Theater – this theater is a reconstruction of the original Globe theater where several of Shakespeare’s plays were first showcased. It is a replica of the original theater and is considered to be a historical site. A great site for a cultural vacation.

11. Trafalgar Square and the Admiralty Arch – this attraction is a monument honoring England’s most respected maritime heroes. Its main feature is the statue of Lord Horatio Nelson that stands 145 feet high. It is also considered to be the centermost part of London. The Admiralty Arch, which is just across this landmark, was built in 1910.

12. Sir John Soane’s Museum – this attraction is an exemplification of eccentric architecture. It features a unique and unusual combination of colors, curious perspectives, and a weird display of ornaments from different historical periods.

13. Notting Hill – this very fashionable and trendy district has been popularized by a film starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. It has a very characteristic and cozy feel of a small village.

There are many other great attractions in the great city of London. A few days of vacation in the city would not be enough to see them all. However that might be an excuse to keep on returning to this fabulous city over and over again – an ordeal that you probably would not mind.

Looking Through the London Eye

The London Eye is an architectural marvel. Built in 1999, it is the youngest of iconic landmarks the city of London boasts of. The Eye is a favorite pop culture reference in movies, television, books and magazines for London.

The London Eye is basically a giant Ferris wheel although in form and structure, it looks like a bicycle wheel more than anything else. It measures 443 feet and holds 32 capsules. Each capsule is sealed and air-conditioned. A capsule can carry approximately 25 people; this means that the wheel can carry around 800 people at a time.

The Eye moves at a conscientiously slow pace of .9 kilometers per hour. It takes the wheel around 30 minutes to complete one rotation. This speed is slow enough for people to get on and off the capsules without the wheel’s rotation being interrupted. However, the Eye is fully halted for the benefit of the elderly and the disabled.

The London Eye is also known as the Millennium Wheel. The firm Mark Starfield Architects designed the Millennium Wheel to mark the coming of the millennium. The original plan was for the Eye to operate for 5 years from its opening in March 2000. But due to the Eye’s popularity among locals and tourists, the 5 year plan has been extended to 25 years.

The London Eye enjoys an average of 3.5 million visitors a year since its opening. This makes the Eye, London’s top paid tourist attraction. The biggest selling point of the Eye, apart from its massive yet elegant structure, is the view it offers.

Many have likened the London Eye to the Eiffel Tower where visitors can soar and feast on breathtaking views. The capsules allow a 360 degree view; one can see the right and left sides of the Thames River from the Eye easily and leisurely. On a clear day, you can see as far as 25 miles away.

For a time the London Eye was the biggest observation wheel in world. Today it still remains as the largest in Europe but elsewhere it has been surpassed in terms of height or size by the Star of Nanchang in China and the Singapore Flyer in Singapore.

The London Eye is truly worthy of the title icon. Its magnificence spans beyond breadth and size. It is no wonder that it is currently the most popular paid tourist attraction in the city.

Best places to visit in London – Part 6

As a Londoner, born and bred, I am well qualified to tell all you tourists the places you must visit in London.

GREENWICH

Ever wanted to know where time comes from? Well it comes from Britain we invented it so there!

Only Joking of course we didn’t invent it but we are where it is measured from or more correctly Greenwich in East London is. Greenwich is a fantastic spot to visit because there is a real conglomeration of things to do there. It’s a restaurant hot spot, it’s on the Thames, the first ever tunnel under the river is there and there is the most fantastic view in the London from the top of the hill by the Royal Observatory.

That takes me neatly to the 3 main attractions of Greenwich: The Royal Observatory, The National Maritime Museum and The Cutty Sark. The Observatory and Maritime museum are run together and are FREE to visit. Between the two of them you can view an amazing range of cutlasses and boat related material, investigate the history of astronomy and stand on the line from which all world time is measured.

As if these two attractions were not enough there is the gorgeous Cutty Sark a 19th Century Tea Clipper in Dry dock in the middle of Greenwich which you can board. Yes if you have kids they will go nuts for running around a genuine sailing ship pretending to be a pirate.

All of this is a short trip away from central London (about 15 mins by tube) that is well worth the visit.

RICHMOND and RICHMOND PARK

See the countryside without leaving town! Yes London has a gigantic park that no tourists ever seem to visit complete with free roaming deer and other exciting flora and fauna. Not only that but it is right next to one of the most picturesque parts of the Thames and there is a wonderful chic place to shop in Richmond. If you need somewhere to eat I would heartily recommend the Britannia pub tucked away down an alley next to the clothing shop top shop.

THE SOUTH BANK

That’s what we call the south side of the river where the London eye is. It’s also home to the Tate Modern and Hayward Art Galleries, the British Film Institute, the National Theatre and the Royal Festival hall. For all you celeb spotters Kevin Spacey may be seen walking here occasionally as The Old Vic theatre that he runs is very nearby as well. All in all if you love the arts you have to come here.

SOUTH KENSINGTON

The Victorians knew a bit about tourist attractions. At least that’s my guess because when they built the museum quarter in Kensington (home

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