Exotic Burma

By shopareview | April 30, 2021

Many Westerners have visited Thailand and other countries in Southeast Asia in recent decades. Few, however, have discovered the exotic Burma, which is without a doubt one of the region’s most interesting destinations. Burma was closed and inaccessible for too long but has now opened up to the outside world. Foreign visitors can now take part in all the fantastic things that were previously so rare. The nature of Burma is spectacularly beautiful, the cultural treasures are endless and the people are extremely welcoming. The Burmese face a brighter future and want to share it with the world around them.

Although Burma is undergoing political change and ongoing internationalization, much of daily life still seems to be progressing at a slower pace here than elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Quiet curiosity in front of foreign visitors shines strikingly often. There is much that makes Burma the ideal destination for those who want to experience the beautiful and the different.

Burma borders India, China, Thailand and Laos and has since time immemorial absorbed impulses from these neighboring countries into a constant interplay between civilizations. However, there is something that makes Burma completely unique, despite the deposits from the traditions of neighboring countries. Travelers who have visited other Asian countries occasionally recognize themselves – but still do not. Join us on a journey that will take you to Asia’s probably most exciting and exotic country!

This is Burma, and it is very different from all the countries you know.
Rudyard Kipling

Day 1: Flight to Yangon (Yangon)
Flight to Yangon , Myanmar (Burma) largest city. Meals are included on board the long-haul flight.

Day 2: Arrival in Rangoon
We arrive in Yangon. We begin our journey with a city tour and visit, among other things, the Golden Sole Pagoda, the National Museum and the Shwedagon Pagoda – Rangoon’s main landmark and the city’s most famous pagoda. This is one of Burma’s most sacred places that every Burmese person wants to visit at least once in their life. You do not have to be a Buddhist to be filled with wonder at the beauty of the gold-plated pagoda. The rest of the day free time. The rest of the day you can rest after the long flight before we gather in the evening for a welcome dinner . Overnight in Rangoon. (Lunch and dinner.)

Day 3: Rangoon
After breakfast, transfer to the train station to take the local train Circular Train , a ring line that connects central Rangoon with the city’s suburbs. For a few hours we stay on board to experience everyday traffic and the colorful life of the people. We then visit a local tea house . The tea houses are important gathering places for ordinary Burmese and here we get to experience Burmese folk life in a genuine environment. In the afternoon we walk through some of Rangoon’s most picturesque neighborhoods. At Rangoon’s largest market, Bogyoke Aung San, or Scott’s Bazaar , you can shop for everything from precious gemstones such as rubies and sapphires to beautiful and inexpensive cotton clothing such as the traditional longyi hips. Overnight in Rangoon. (Breakfast and lunch)

Day 4: Rangoon – Bagan
Early in the morning we take the domestic flight to Bagan. Between the 11th and 13th centuries, the royal city of Bagan was the region’s foremost seat of learning and religious practice. During this period a very large number of stupas, shrines, temples and monasteries were built here. The ruined city is located on a large plain in a bend of the Irrawwaddy river and together the magnificent ruins with their religious architecture form a fantastic sight. Some of the religious buildings still attract large numbers of Buddhist pilgrims. Today’s highlights include a visit to the shimmering Shwezigon Pagoda , known for its Buddha statues from the heyday of the Bagan Empire. We also visit the lively and colorful morning market in Nyaung U, a market which provides great photo opportunities and also an opportunity to meet and mingle with the locals and see how they feel in their lives. We end the day with a ride by horse and carriage through Bagan’s peaceful surroundings. During the tour we visit the Ananda Temple, known for its Buddha statues and old murals. Ahead of dusk, we finally wait for the moment when the sun sets over Bagan’s pagodas and temple ruins. Overnight in Bagan. (Breakfast and lunch)

Day 5: Mount Popa – Bagan (Pagan)
In the afternoon we take a bus to the Burmese countryside. We visit an interesting monastery complex on top of Popa Taung Kalat (“Pedestal Mountain”)and from here you get a breathtaking view of the surroundings after first walking along a winding covered staircase from the sanctuary at the foot of the mountain (optional walk – there is also a bazaar area at the sanctuary to discover). Overnight in Bagan. (Breakfast and lunch)

Day 6: Irrawaddy river cruise to Mandlay
In the morning we border the express boat that will take us downstream of the Irrawaddy river from Bagan to Mandalay. A journey that takes about 7 hours. During the cruise we get breathtaking views along the river and we meet families in fishing boats that glide by. Overnight in Mandalay. (Breakfast and lunch)

Day 7: Mandalay
Today a full day excursion awaits in Madalay’s surroundings. In Amarapura in the morning we witness the daily distribution of food to thousands of monks from the Mahagandayon Monastery and then continue to Sagaing , the spiritual center of Burma known for its many Buddhist monasteries. We end the day with a stop at the U Bein bridge – probably the world’s oldest and longest teak bridge. Overnight in Mandalay. (Breakfast and lunch)

Day 8: Mandalay
We make a boat trip to Mingun to visit the begun, but never completed construction of Pahtodawgyi – a half-finished brick pagoda from the late 18th century. The construction, if completed, would have become the world’s largest pagoda. Although much of Pahtodawgyi was destroyed during an earthquake in the 19th century, the ruins after the brick construction began on the river are an incredibly impressive sight. We return to Mandalay and arrive at the area at the foot of Mandalay Mountain with its many temple buildings. We see the Mandalay Palace where the last king of an independent Burma resided and the beautiful Shwendandaw Monastery built in teak. Overnight in Mandalay. (Breakfast and lunch)

Day 9: Mandalay – Inlesjön
We fly to the city of Heho. From here, the journey continues by bus to Inlesjön. On the way, we stop at Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery and have the opportunity to taste something as exotic as Burmese wines in a fantastic mountain landscape. We are now in the vast highlands of Burma, which differ from the lowlands in many respects. Here you will find several of Burma’s many minority groups, of which the dominant ethnicity is the Shan people. After the wine tasting go to our hotel. Overnight at Inlesjön . (Breakfast and lunch)

Day 10: Inlesjön
Today a full day excursion by boat awaits on Inlesjön, beautifully framed by the rolling Shanberg Mountains. Here are pole house villages, floating markets and gardens anchored at the bottom with bamboo poles. Along the shores and on the lake you will also find the most exquisite temples and pagodas. During the boat trip, we do a beach break to see local crafts. The population living on Inlesjön consists for the most part of the Intha people who are devout Buddhists whose way of life is adapted to the conditions that the lake offers. Overnight at Inlesjön. (Breakfast and lunch)

Day 11: Inlesjön – Ngapali
We leave Inlesjön and the highlands behind us to travel by air to the coastal strip at the Bay of Bengal. After a short transfer from Thandwe Airport, we arrive at the small seaside resort of Ngapali, known for its wonderful beaches, clean waters and tranquil atmosphere. In addition to sunbathing, swimming, fishing and snorkeling, it is possible to go exploring in the surroundings. There are several restaurants in the hotel and in the village to choose from. Overnight in Ngapali. (Breakfast)

Day 12 -13: Ngapali
Days for sun, swimming and relaxation. Overnight in Ngapali. (Breakfast)

Day 14: Ngapali – Rangoon
Transfer to Thandwe Airport and flight to Rangoon. The rest of the day free time. In the evening we gather for a farewell dinner. Overnight in Rangoon. (B)

Day 15: Rangoon
Transfer to the airport before returning home. Meals are included on the long-haul flight.

Round trip in China

By shopareview | April 23, 2021

This is the trip for you who want to experience the most and best of China! You visit the capital Beijing and see here the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City, the imperial city of Xi´an with the famous Terracotta Army, the vibrant world city of Shanghai, the garden cities of Hangzhou and Suzhou, the beautiful Guilin, experiences and places that together create a unique Chinese panorama! Have you planned to travel to China once in a lifetime then this is the trip for you!

Day 1: Travel to China
Flight to Shanghai. Meals are included on board the long-haul flight.

Day 2: Shanghai
You land in the world city of Shanghai. There are more skyscrapers here than in most big cities in the world. It is advisable to start with a trip up one of the tallest skyscrapers, Jin Mao Tower. From the 88th floor you have a glorious view of Pudong and the beautiful promenade the Bund with colonial buildings. In the evening time to try Chinese cuisine. Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 3: Shanghai
Shanghai is only a few hundred years old, but there are still some old buildings and parks. We suggest first visiting Yuyuan Garden, a garden that a wealthy official had planted several hundred years ago. After seeing the Bund from above, it’s nice to walk here and enjoy the views of the Huangpu River and all the skyscrapers on the Pudong Peninsula. Then it’s shopping time for those who like this. Otherwise, it is very enjoyable to just stroll along the impressive pedestrian and shopping street of Nanjing Lu. The day may end with a breathtaking acrobatic performance with one of the famous Shanghai groups. Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 4: Shanghai – Suzhou
Museums are not just boring establishments with rows of objects. At the Shanghai Museum, considered one of the foremost in China, Chinese history and cultural history are served in a very interesting and captivating way. After the museum visit, you get on the bus and go to Suzhou, “Venice of the East”. Suzhou is a paradise for garden lovers. First, walk through the garden of the humble official and get an insight into what the Chinese think a garden should look like. Suzhou is also known for its silk production. During a visit to a silk manufacturing center, you get the opportunity to learn more about the silk’s path from silk butterfly, via cocoon, to finished raw silk. In the evening, a walk through the beautiful Nätmästaren’s garden is suggested and listening to classical Chinese music. Overnight in Suzhou.

Day 5: Suzhou – Hangzhou
In the low-lying landscape around Suzhou, there are plenty of waterways. During the bus journey to the destination Hangzhou, you stop in the small canal town of Tongli, where you take a boat trip, and then walk around among the picturesque houses. Once in Hangzhou, considered one of China’s foremost tea-growing districts, visit Longjing, the “Dragon Fountain,” where one of China’s most exclusive teas is grown. You get information about the background of tea cultivation and can also try different types of tea. Overnight in Hangzhou.

Day 6: Hangzhou – Guilin
In the city of Hangzhou lies the West Lake, praised for its beauty by generations of Chinese poets. A boat trip on the West Lake, and you get the opportunity to judge the poets’ views for yourself, before you fly on to Guilin. Overnight in Guilin.

Day 7: Guilin
In southern China, most of China’s rice is grown. During a full-day excursion to the major agricultural districts, you will get a good insight into the Chinese farmer’s cultivation efforts. At Mount Longsheng, “Dragon’s Backbone”, you can see with reverence how all the winding terrace plantations stretch for miles along the slopes. Here you will also meet several of China’s many minority populations. Overnight in Guilin.

Day 8: Guilin – Yangshuo
Down here in southern China there are also other scenery. During a four-hour boat trip along the Lifloden, we get to enjoy and admire the famous sugar top mountains that line the river during the journey. In the evening, there is an optional opportunity to see a lavish “River Show”, designed by the famous Chinese director Zhang Yimou. He was the one who directed the Olympic inauguration in Beijing in 2008! Overnight in Yangshuo.

Day 9: Yangshuo – Guilin – Xian
In the morning you have time on your own and can therefore take a little longer to eat breakfast. You also have time to explore Yangshuo. In the afternoon you go back to Guilin and on the way visit the famous Pipe Flute Cave with all its strange stalactite and stalagmite formations. In the evening you fly on from Guilin to Xi’an. Overnight in Xi´an.

Day 10: Xi’an
The city of Xi’an has more than six million inhabitants but still feels much smaller. For two thousand years, the city has been a cosmopolitan center. Buddhism is strong here, and there are several great shrines. You should visit the Great Wild Goose Pagoda to get a good insight into how Buddhism came to China. This is how a jade carving is visited, where raw jade stone is treated into exquisite works of art. The afternoon is dedicated to the highlight of the day, the 8,000-strong terracotta army. The first emperor of the Qin Dynasty, Shi Huangdi, had his mausoleum built here, and after his death the tomb is guarded by these terracotta soldiers. In the evening free time. Overnight in Xi´an.

Day 11: Xian – Beijing
After breakfast, you board the new exciting and talked about ‘super train’ that started after Christmas 2012. This high-speed train connects several important cities in China, and you will travel for 4.5 hours from Xi’an to Beijing. The average speed is over 300 km / h! During the trip you can visit the varied Chinese landscape. After arriving in Beijing, a first visit is made to the Temple of Heaven. This impressive park with the large temple was built in the early 15th century. The emperors went here every year to ask for good harvests for the coming year. Overnight in Beijing.

Day 12: Beijing
Start the day with a tour of the world’s largest square, Tiananmen Square, with the surrounding buildings Mao’s mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum and the Gate of Tiananmen. The next stop is the Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex and home to the emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties for nearly 500 years. Then it’s time for a little tour of some of Beijing’s remaining hutons, or old alleys. In the evening, there is a colorful Peking Opera, perhaps a party more for the eye than for the ear! (Optional) Overnight stay in Beijing.

Day 13: Beijing
Today it will be a full day trip in the surroundings of Beijing. You start at a factory for the production of cloisonné, typically Beijing handicrafts. Then you continue to the holy way, the way of the Spirits. Here you walk slowly and are reminded of how an emperor after death would be transported along this road to get his last rest in one of the Ming tombs. As the journey continues, it is noticeable that the mountains rise more and more and the road becomes more winding. At an altitude of 700-800 meters, you will soon get the first glimpses of the Great Wall of China, this remarkable building that was being completed for several hundred years, and which stretches over more than 6,000 kilometers! Overnight in Beijing.

Day 14: Beijing
After breakfast visit the Summer Palace. Afternoon free for own program. Overnight in Beijing.

Day 15: Return from Beijing
Transfer to the airport for return to the destination. Meals are included on board the long-haul flight.

To Silk Road’s Samarkand

By shopareview | April 16, 2021

Join us on a tour that takes you to the heart of Central Asia and the legendary and magical Samarkand. During the tour we will also visit the Uzbek capital of Tashkent and the fabulous cultural cities of Khiva and Bukhara. You get the opportunity to discover a part of Asia with an exceptionally interesting cultural history, hospitable people and beautiful nature. The vast land area between East Asia and the Far East, which we today call Central Asia, has for more than two millennia served as an important link between East and West and has enabled long-distance transport between different civilizations and high cultures. The cities we visit were all important hubs in the network of caravan routes between China and Europe that is usually called the Silk Road. Long-distance merchants and various conquerors have left traces over the centuries and given rise to a fascinating cultural treasure that more and more travelers have begun to discover. We travel in small groups with Swedish-speaking tour guides.

Day 1: Travel to Tashkent
Meals are included on board the long-haul flight.

Day 2: Tashkent
We arrive early in the morning at Tashkent International Airport. We are met by our local guide and go to the hotel. After lunch, our sightseeing tour of Uzbekistan’s capital begins. We start in the Old Town where we visit the Usaman Quran Museum which houses the world’s oldest Quran (600s). Then we see Tashkent’s famous monument dedicated to the victims of the great earthquake of 1966. The catastrophe hit Tashkent very hard and most of the city had to be rebuilt. We then visit Mustakillik Square (Independence Square) which before Uzbekistan’s independence in 1991 was called Lenin Square. The square is located in the heart of Tashkent and here you will also find the most important government institutions. During the tour, we get to see some of the city’s most famous buildings, including the Navoi Theater, largely built by Japanese prisoners of war in 1942-47, and the Uzbek Arts and Crafts Museum, which is a stunningly beautiful building originally erected as the residence of a wealthy Russian diplomat. We also have time for a visit to one of Tashkent’s impressive metro stations and a walk in the market area at the exciting and exotic Chorsu Bazaar. The bazaar is located under a huge dome-shaped roof that provides shade and contributes to the oriental atmosphere. There is no doubt that you are now in Central Asia! We end the day with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Tashkent. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner.) We also have time for a visit to one of Tashkent’s impressive metro stations and a walk in the market area at the exciting and exotic Chorsu Bazaar. The bazaar is located under a huge dome-shaped roof that provides shade and contributes to the oriental atmosphere. There is no doubt that you are now in Central Asia! We end the day with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Tashkent. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner.) We also have time for a visit to one of Tashkent’s impressive metro stations and a walk in the market area at the exciting and exotic Chorsu Bazaar. The bazaar is located under a huge dome-shaped roof that provides shade and contributes to the oriental atmosphere. There is no doubt that you are now in Central Asia! We end the day with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Tashkent. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner.)

Day 3: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva
After breakfast we head to the domestic airport before the flight to the city of Urgench in southern Uzbekistan. From here we go to the nearby Khiva with an environment taken from “A Thousand and One Nights”. The city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990 and one could spend several days here just exploring all the palaces, majestic villas, mosques, minarets, mausoleums and other architectural masterpieces. The city was once an important station along the Silk Road. Here, in Khiva’s older city center, you can really feel the wings of history. Sometimes it is as if they have suddenly been moved centuries back in time. During the day we get to see the minaret Kalta Minor and Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, originally a university (madrasah) built in the middle of the 19th century by the prince (khan) who also got to name this amazing building. Since the Soviet era, however, the old university functions as a hotel. We also visit the Djuma Mosque (Friday Mosque), built in the late 18th century on the ruins of an earlier structure. The mosque is known for its ingenious architecture where over two hundred richly decorated wooden pillars support the beautiful wooden roof that allows sunlight to flow freely into the room. Then we visit Kunya Ark Castle, dating from the late 17th century. The castle served as the khan’s private residence and center for the exercise of authority. Within the beautiful palace area you will find, among other things, administrative buildings, harem homes, courtyards and a mosque. We continue to the Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, which is the Khiva Khans’ last resting place. The tomb monument with its green dome and fantastic mosaics is generally considered to be one of the most beautiful building complexes in the city. Then we visit Khiva’s highest minaret Islam Khodja and then end the day with a visit to Tosh Havli which was once the harem where the khans could meet their official wives and harem ladies. Overnight in Khiva. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner.)

Day 4: Khiva – Bukhara (450 km)
After breakfast we travel by bus to the city of Bukhara through the Kyzylkum desert. For centuries, this barren landscape formed the border area with the endless expanses of the north populated by various nomadic peoples. During the trip you will see Amu-Darja which is one of the most important rivers in Central Asia. We arrive in Bukhara in the afternoon. Jewel Bukhara is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia and houses some of the region’s foremost masterpieces in architecture and is often associated with the greats of past times in science and poetry. Over the centuries, Bukhara developed into one of the most important hubs for culture, education, and religious practice throughout Central Asia. There is a famous saying in Bukhara that reads: “The light shines from Heaven all over the world,

Day 5: Bukhara
After breakfast, a city tour awaits. We start the day by visiting the mausoleum of the Samanids built of brick laid in fantastic geometric patterns and formations. The monument was built in the late ninth century and is one of the oldest Muslim monuments in Central Asia. It is also the only monument from the Persian Samanid dynasty that has survived the test of time. We then visit the religious complex Poikalon known for its beautiful minaret from the 12th century and magnificent mosque from the early 16th century. In the morning we also visit Ulugbek Madrasah, a high seat of education built in the early 15th century on the orders of the enlightened sultan Ulugbek (grandson of the last great Mongol conqueror Timur Lenk). Ulugbek had a great interest in astronomy and mathematics and wanted Bukhara to also become a center of science. In the afternoon we visit one of the most elegant trading places in Bukhara – Tim Abdullakhan. The domed indoor market was built during the latter half of the 16th century and here once long-distance Afghan merchants sold their precious silk and wool. Today, Tim Abdullakhan is known for his sales of Central Asian rugs. We also have time to visit the Maggoki Attori Mosque (today a carpet museum), built in the 10th century on a site where there used to be a Zoroastrian temple. Before the dinner, which consists of local delicacies, we see a traditional music and dance performance in a medieval madrasah. Overnight in Bukhara. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner.)

Day 6: Bukhara
After breakfast we first visit the Chor Minor Madrasah, built in 1807 by the Turkmen merchant Khalif Niyazkul. We then head to Sitorai Mohi Hosa which was the last palace of Emir Alim Khan. The architecture is a playful mix of both Russian and Central Asian elements, typical of the early 20th century. Before lunch we also visit Bukhara’s synagogue (the city still has a small Jewish congregation). The afternoon is open to discover the city on your own or maybe just take it easy. Overnight in Bukhara. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner.)

Day 7: Bukhara – Samarkand (250 km)
After breakfast we take a bus to Samarkand. During the journey there, we visit a potter in the city of Gijduvan who is known for his ceramic production. We are expected to arrive in Samarkand at lunchtime and head to the hotel to check in. We are now in the magical Samarkand. For centuries, the city has been invaded by foreign powers attracted by the city’s wealth. Alexander the Great, Arab conquerors, Mongol chiefs Genghis Khan and Timur Lenk have all left their mark. During today’s tour, we see, among other things, Registan Square, which was the official center of the Timur kingdom. Here you will also find three famous madrasahs – Ulugbek, Sher Dor and Tillya Kari. Overnight in Samarkand. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner.)

Day 8: Samarkand
After breakfast we visit Gur Amir which is the mausoleum of the Timurid dynasty where among others Timur Lenk (the founder of the dynasty) is buried. The monument has a fantastic dome adorned with mosaics in blue tones. The building is built in a unique style where Persian and Mongolian elements are mixed. We also visit the Shahi Zinda complex which consists of more than twenty different mausoleums and tombs from different eras. After lunch, we visit a tissue paper manufacturer that still produces its paper in the traditional way. We end the day with a visit to Ulugbek’s observatory from the early 15th century. The observatory was once considered one of the foremost in the world. Overnight in Samarkand. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner.)

Day 9: Samarkand-Tashkent
After breakfast, we visit the Bibi Khanym Mosque, which is the largest of the buildings Timur Lenk had built in his capital. Then we go to the famous market at Siab Bazaar and get some time for shopping on your own. We then go to the train station to take the high-speed train “Afrosiab” to Tashkent. Farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Tashkent. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner.)

Day 10: Tashkent – Sweden
After breakfast transfer to the airport before returning home.

FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN MELBOURNE

MELBOURNE ATTRACTIONS

By shopareview | April 9, 2021

Federation Square is a popular meeting place

Federation Square is the center of the Melbourne CBD, a spectacular meeting place and a square that encourages carefree hanging out. Federation Square’s modern architecture divides opinions: Melbourneers either love or hate their well-known landmark.

Opened in 2002, the square is worth a visit to watch the hustle and bustle of the city. Federation Square also often hosts a variety of events and programs, and there are also restaurants and cafes on site.

Opposite Federation Square is Melbourne’s second landmark, the Victorian Flinders Street Rail Station.

Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. Fruits and vegetables, meat dishes and seafood can be bought at markets known for their fresh and high-quality ingredients. The square also has an area dedicated to arts, jewelery and handicrafts.

The Suzuki Night Market, the food market held during the Victorian summer months, is held on Wednesday evenings from mid-November to the end of February. The lush food market serves flavors from Italy to India and from Turkey to Senegal. Walk around the stall and sample Belgian waffles and Spanish sangria. Here you are guaranteed not to go hungry!

See the city from the heights

Eureka Skydeck is the highest vantage point in the southern hemisphere open to the public. From the 88th floor of the Eureka, visitors have a spectacular panoramic view over Melbourne. Located at an altitude of 285 meters, the Lookout Point is an impressive place to visit both in daylight and after evening twilight.

The most adventurous is also appealed to by The Edge , a protrusion that stands out from the building itself, where you can really get tested as your head starts to feel dizzy. Eureka Skydeck is centrally located along the River Yarra.

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a lush oasis

Melbourne Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in the state of Victoria, attracting over a million visitors each year. In the garden you can either relax in your own peace or take part in guided tours. The garden, which covers an area of more than 36 hectares, features more than 50,000 different plant species.

The garden near the center has plenty to do for the whole family, and children are also catered for. You can go on site to learn something new or just take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a cup of coffee.

FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN MELBOURNE

No direct flights to Australia

The journey to distant Melbourne naturally folds through a bend if any other. Flights booked via Finnair operate to Melbourne via Singapore. The total number of flight hours to the other side of the globe is about 20. The prices of a round-trip flight ticket vary by 1,500 euros on both sides.

According to DigoPaul, Melbourne Airport is also known as Tullamarine Airport. Australia’s second largest airport is just over 20 miles from the city center.

The choice of accommodation is plentiful

Melbourne has a metropolitan range of accommodation – everything from luxury five-star hotels to affordable inns. You can get a mid-priced hotel night for about 100 euros. There are also a huge number of hostels in the city favored by backpackers.

When choosing a place to stay, you should look for your favorite area. St Kilda is the center of Melbourne’s beach life, with not only sandy beaches but also plenty of restaurants, shops and nightlife. The Central Business District of Melbourne, on the other hand, has a metropolitan atmosphere.

It is convenient to move around the big city

The most convenient way to get around Melbourne is by tram, which is a clean and ecological ride. Of course, there are also buses and commuter trains in Melbourne. The city’s public transport network is comprehensive and functional, so for a tourist, car rental is only profitable on trips outside the city. For longer stays in the city, you should buy a Metcard travel card.

You can also rent a bicycle if you wish – filleting is a great way to see the city and its surroundings.

Attractions in the state of Victoria are not limited to Melbourne. It is therefore advisable to rent a car and take a trip to the Great Ocean Road, known for its wonderful natural places. The Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula are popular wine tasting destinations.

Cairns Travel Guide

By shopareview | April 2, 2021

Cairns is the center of the tropical north. The city of Cairns in Australia is the pulsating heart of North Queensland tourism. Tropical Cairns attracts tourists with its year-round warmth and relaxed vibe. The city is a great base for exploring the area’s numerous natural sites.

Escape the Ausswinter north

According to DigoPaul, Cairns, located in the state of Queensland in northeastern Australia, is an absolute destination for many because it is the best base for excursions to the Great Barrier Reef. However, with its vibrant tourism, lush tropical Cairns has become a vibrant city with plenty to do.

The heart of the city’s smaller downtown is the Cairns Esplanade, whose cheerful hustle and bustle of restaurants attract tourists. The nearby Cairns Marina harbor area offers high-end hotels, a casino and the modern shopping mall, The Pier.

The actual beach cannot be found in the center of Cairns. It will be replaced by Cairns Lagoon, a public swimming pool by the sea. There is no entrance fee to the pool area, and both tourists and locals are swimming, grilling and moving around.

Good to know about Cairns

Everyone in Cairns enjoys whatever their age. Young people gather in backpacker pubs, there is plenty to do and see for families with children, and peaceful Cairns with its stylish restaurants is also suitable for older travelers.

The rainy season in tropical Cairns runs from November to May, so the best time to visit the city is during the Australian winter months from June to September. Tourists flock north to enjoy the sun when winter prevails in more southern Australia. However, monsoon rains may also occur during the high season in Cairns. The temperature usually stays high all year round.

The lively city offers entertainment

Cairns has numerous souvenir shops for tourists, but the most interesting place to buy souvenirs is the night market. In the covered space you can go shopping, enjoy an evening snack or even have a massage. The best place to shop for clothes is the large shopping center on the outskirts of Cairns Central.

In the evenings, the Cairns Esplanade’s restaurants and bars are filled with people and a lively line of speech. You can go either in the casual pubs or even in the stylish casino.

Rainforests and mountains in the tropical north

Flecker Botanic Gardens is Cairns Botanical Gardens, where it’s nice to retreat to relax. On site you can admire the rainforest as well as various plants and flowers. Guided two-hour tours are also organized in the garden.

Sporty tourists should head for a hike to Mount Whitfield, a mountain by the airport lined with rainforest.

An easy day trip from Cairns goes to the idyllic little town of Port Douglas. About an hour’s drive along the boardwalk offers spectacular scenery, and in Port Douglas you will find sandy beaches, high-end boutiques and quality restaurants.

FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN CAIRNS

Long flights ahead

The best route from Finland to Australia is through Asia. A direct flight from Helsinki to Singapore can be supplemented with a connecting flight to Cairns. There are also plenty of flights to the city from all the major cities in Australia.

Cairns Airport is located about seven kilometers from the city center. The airport is served by both domestic and international flights and has good public access to Cairns.

Accommodation in all star categories

Cairns has plenty of accommodation options with all kinds of star ratings. Most Cairns hotels are located in the downtown area, next to the Cairns Esplanade and the Marina. More affordable motel-type accommodation can be found on the outskirts of the city center.

Cairns is also a favorite destination for backpackers, and there are several hostels in the city. Many of Cairns ’hostels are built in comfortable Queenslander-style wooden houses.

For working holidaymakers staying longer in Cairns, the Cairns Sharehouse is a good accommodation option.

My feet are doing well

Cairns is a fairly small town with good access to the city center on foot. If necessary, local buses and taxis take you to more distant destinations.

Car hire is a good idea if you want to explore the surrounding area of Cairns. In fact, navigating the city on a bicycle is a more convenient outlet.

ATTRACTIONS OF CAIRNS

Memorable Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world. Cairns offers a huge variety of excursions to the Great Barrier Reef: in the scenery of the coral reef, tourists can dive, snorkel or just admire the view from the deck of the ship.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most popular attractions. It is listed both as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the seven wonders of the world.

The most famous landmark of the Great Barrier Reef is the heart-shaped coral formation of the Whitsunday Islands. It can even be admired from a helicopter flight.

The Great Barrier Reef has several tropical islands for guided tours. There are also some luxury resorts on the islands that are suitable for an unforgettable honeymoon, for example.

Aboriginal Tjapukai Cultural Park

The center, run by Australian Indigenous peoples, allows tourists to learn about Aboriginal culture. The place’s own theater presents the history and culture of indigenous peoples through drama, music and dance. The program also includes face painting and didgeridoo music. You can buy arts and crafts from the shop in connection with the center.

Tjapukai is Australia’s largest center of Aboriginal culture. The location is outside the city, but Cairns offers excursions both day and night. The bus, on the other hand, runs to the site every hour.

Cairns Tropical Zoo

While Cairns Zoo isn’t very big, you can find all the Australian animal favorites like Koalas, Kangaroos and Vompats. Cairns Tropical Zoo is less than half an hour’s drive from central Cairns. In addition to a rental car, the site can also be reached by bus or excursions organized by travel agencies.

Numerous presentations and performances are organized in the zoo – it is worth listening to the conversation of the animal keepers.

Train route to Kuranda

Cairns has a tourist train to the nearby village of Kuranda. In addition to the stunning scenery, passengers can follow the history of the route on each screen found on the trolley.

Just about 30 km from Cairns, Kuranda is a charming village next to the mountains and rainforest. Admire the shops, markets and natural places of Kuranda to easily spend the day. In Kuranda, it is also possible to experience the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a glass cable lift that takes you high above the rainforest.

THE BEST OF CAIRNS

Spend the sun on Cairns Lagoon – everyone else is there
Take part in an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef
Stroll around Cairns nightlife market
Take a day trip to the cozy little town of Port Douglas
Travel by rustic scenic train to the village of Kuranda

Shopping in Barcelona

By shopareview | March 28, 2021

According to digopaul, Barcelona is the dream city for the most shopping-loving. The selection of shops is huge, all the well-known brands are represented, and you will also find local designs that can be absolutely phenomenal. Prices are generally somewhat lower than we are used to in Norway, but not necessarily when it comes to the most luxurious brands.

Here you will find the best shopping:

Passeig de Gracia– This is one of the two most important shopping streets. Passeig de Gracia starts at Placa de Catalunya and goes uphill towards the mountains. Here you will find the most exclusive stores such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Jimmy Choo, as well as stores for watches, jewelry and accessories such as Swarovski, Bvlgari, Rolex, and others.
Portal del Angel– This shopping street also starts on Placa de Catalunya, and goes in the direction of the port and beaches of Barcelona. Here they go especially in the big chains such as Zara, H&M, Mango and Massimo Dutti, in addition to smaller shoe stores, as well as the occasional store with local design.
El Corte Ingles– This is the largest department store in Europe. Located on Placa de Catalunya, El Corte Ingles is set over 9 floors. Each of the floors is divided according to to make shopping easier, such as a separate floor for men’s clothing, one for children’s clothing, one for accessories, and so on. The department store contains not only fashion, although this dominates, but also electronics, furniture, and much more, in addition to one of the city’s largest supermarkets.

Five shopping centers:

Maremagnum– shopping center down at the harbor which is open on Sundays. The address is Moll d’Espanya 5.
Las Arenas– shopping center in a former bullring. The address is Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 373.
El Triangle– small but good shopping center on Placa de Catalunya 1-4.
Diagonal Mar– Shopping center near Mar Bella Beach, and right next to the Hilton hotel. The address is Avinguda Diagonal 3.
Centro Comercial Glories– good shopping center if you need fashion clothes. The address is Avinguda Diagonal 208.

Looking for something special?

Calle Verdi (in the Gracia district) is the street to shop in if you are looking for local design.
Calle Tallers (in the El Raval district) is the street to shop in if you are looking for used and vintage.
El Bornis the district you want to go to if you want to go in fancy boutiques.
Calle Seneca 28 is the address you want to go to if you are looking for design from Lydia Delgado, Spain’s fashion queen.
La Roca Village north of Barcelona (half an hour by taxi, some more by train) is the place for outlet shopping (about 100 shops and brands). Great opportunities to save a lot of money!

Shopped a lot? Get some of your money back

Since we are not full members of the EU, we have the right to get the VAT back when we shop in Spain, among other places. This does not apply to drinks, food, accommodation, tickets and such, but merchandise such as clothing and electronics.

IVA (VAT in Spanish) is currently 21%, and you get it again when you shop in stores with the sticker in the window that says “Tax Free Shopping Service”. You must shop for more than 90 Euros, and the refund form must be completed correctly.

Allow yourself plenty of time at the airport, because that’s where you get your money back. You must first visit a separate counter for customs, and you may be asked to present the goods for which you require a refund. There you will then receive a check that you cash in at the exchange office next door. Remember that it can be long queues.

Five exciting festivals in Barcelona

In this city, it is almost always an exciting festival to join in. Thus, it does not matter when in the year you visit Barcelona. Nevertheless, we have selected five of the most exciting and fun festivals, all in very different genres. Maybe one of them is for you? Remember that both flights, hotels and festival tickets can be picked up quickly, especially if there are several events in the city at the same time. Start planning early!

La Mercè– This festival is held in honor of the Mare de Déu de la Mercè, Barcelona’s patron saint. La Mercè is held every year and lasts one week until 24 September. Here you can experience fantastic dancing, costumes and an insane fireworks show.
Barcelona Carnival– The Barcelona Carnival is a month-long event that takes place every year from the beginning of February to the beginning of March. The most important parades and parties, however, are the first week. The carnival in the city is a tradition that started as early as 1333.
Voll-Damm Festival Internacional de Jazz de Barcelona– The Jazz Festival lasts for a full two months, and is considered one of Europe’s finest of its kind. Here you can hear and see top bands and artists from all over the world, at concerts that take place all over the city. The concerts are often paired with other events, such as food or wine festivals.
Sala Montjuic– The film festival, where all the films are shown outdoors, usually lasts from the beginning of July to the beginning of August. The canvases are set up on Montjuic Hill, and everything from classics to indie films are shown. Sit outside in beautiful surroundings, have a drink, and enjoy a good movie after the sun goes down in Barcelona.
Festa de Sant Medir– The festival for those who have a sugar tooth! Tons of sweets are given away in the parade that takes place in the Gracia district every year on March 3. When all the candy is consumed, it all ends with fireworks and fun.

Alice Springs Travel Guide

By shopareview | March 26, 2021

Alice Springs is the gateway to the red heart of Australia. Located in the heart of Australia, Alice Springs is a wilderness city that serves as a gateway to mystical Uluru. In secluded Alice Springs, the traveler finds a rare backyard atmosphere.

A city of fun raptures

With around 27,000 inhabitants, Alice Springs is the center of Australia’s red heart, with a long journey everywhere. The small town in the Northern Territory is built next to the handsome MacDonnell Ranges. It is worth hiking or sitting there even for a picnic. A memorable way to see red-glowing Central Australia is to take part in a hot air balloon trip.

There are a number of interesting events taking place in Alice Springs. The Alice Desert Festival showcases the rugged beauty of the desert through art and culture. The Beanie Festival, on the other hand, offers beanie shopping, and the city also has its own waterless regatta event on a dried river. In the Camel Cup, camels compete for speed.

Take an excursion to Uluru

Most tourists arriving in Alice Springs are in town because they want to see Uluru, a mystical red rock formation. However, many are surprised to realize that there is still more than 400 kilometers to the red stone from the city. Alice Springs has numerous travel agencies that organize guided tours of Uluru’s scenery.

While Alice Springs itself has no attractions like Uluru or Kata Tjuta, it’s worth spending a few days on a trip to Central Australia to observe this special kind of wilderness city. Interesting personalities and the small town’s way of life make Alice Springs exotic. Here, the tourist is really far from modern Sydney or trendy Melbourne.

Good to know about Alice Springs

Central Australia is an interesting destination for adventure travelers who enjoy cultural history, nature and outdoor activities. Lively resorts on the east coast are better suited for families with children.

The traveler should be aware that it can be very hot in Central Australia. Christmas, January and February are the hottest months of the year, when meter readings can hurt to 40 degrees. It is more pleasant for the tourist to visit the area during the local spring or autumn, although then the largest tourist crowds are on the move.

June and July are the coolest times of the year, when night temperatures may drop near zero. The days are still usually pleasantly warm.

Due to long distances, certain imported goods such as fruits and vegetables are expensive in Central Australia.

In the Aboriginal area

The state of the Northern Territory is traditionally an area inhabited by Aboriginal people, or the indigenous peoples of Australia. As the second largest city in the state, Alice Springs forms a major aboriginal center. It is estimated that nearly twenty percent of the city’s population is Aboriginal.

Alice Springs has several places to learn about Aboriginal culture and history. Art galleries and shops, on the other hand, display Aboriginal art and handicrafts.

FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT AT ALICE SPRINGS

Arrive via two stopovers

There is a long way from Finland to Alice Springs – on the other hand, there is a long way to the city from almost everywhere. You can even fly from Helsinki via Singapore to Sydney or Melbourne , and continue your journey to Alice Springs.

Alice Springs Airport is approximately 15 miles outside the city and is served by flights from all major Australian cities. From the airport to the city you can continue either by bus or by rental car.

You can also travel to Alice Springs on buses favored by backpackers. Packages sold by travel agents are popular. Another interesting form of travel is the Ghan train, which runs through Australia from Adelaide to Darwin.

Modest hotel offer

The Alice Springs hotel selection is quite modest. For travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Uluru, Ayers Rock Resort is the perfect choice.

There are some hostels in Alice Springs – these affordable accommodations, often favored by backpackers, often include private rooms. For many, camping is a preferred option in Central Australia.

My own ride in the wilderness is a must

Many tourists arrive in Alice Springs on a package tour – in which case transportation is usually included in the price of the tour.

For the self-employed traveler along the distances in Central Australia, the best means of transport is a rental car. It’s worth thinking about what kind of terrain you’re going to drive, as sometimes renting a four-wheel drive truck may be necessary.

Buses serving passengers traveling without a pass. Taxis are expensive in and around Alice Springs.

ALICE SPRINGS ATTRACTIONS

Ayers Rock aka Uluru

Anyone planning a trip to Central Australia may wonder why they want to travel thousands of miles to see one big rock. From others, Uluru is not seen for this reason.

The skeptic gets his answer when he sees Uluru fluttering in red, which is at its most beautiful at sunrise or sunset. Then all shades of red seem to glow with a huge rock formation surrounded by a mystical atmosphere. For Aboriginal people, Uluru is an important spiritual place.

Tourists can walk around the rock, climb along it, or view it from an airplane. However, climbing to Uluru is worth considering: the route is quite difficult, and the locals are not very supportive of climbing the sacred rock.

Kata Tyuta National Park

Kata Tjuta National Park, also known as Olgas, is located about 50 km from Uluru. Kata Tjuta, consisting of 36 rock formations, is closely associated with the Aboriginal legend alongside Uluru. The highest peak of Kata Tjuta rises higher than Uluruak, and many consider the place to be the most impressive attraction in Central Australia.

There are also various hiking trails on the outskirts of Kata Tjuta.

Watch the stars in the desert

A traveler staring at the sky in the deserts of Central Australia can be downright shocked by the number of stars. The uninhabited areas of Central Australia form a huge unlit area with incomprehensible views of the Milky Way. A traveler vacationing in Alice Springs should head outside the city to admire the star splendor.

THE BEST OF ALICE SPRINGS

What to do in Alice Springs

Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the wilderness city
Hike the MacDonnell Ranges
Take an excursion to Uluru
See Kata Tyuta National Park
Visit Alice Springs Desert Park

Shopping and Eating in Zurich, Switzerland

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Zurich is one of the largest cities in the country of Switzerland.

Shopping in Zurich

Zurich’s main street is the world-famous shopping avenue Bahnhofstrasse. Here are a mile and a half with exclusive and expensive stores such as Bottega Veneta in No 25, Louis Vuitton in No 30, Chanel in No 39 and Cartier in No 47 in addition to all the chain stores. Here you can look at the price tags on the Rolex watches in the show windows and heaven with the eyes that someone is willing to spend 180000 kroner to pass the time, or you can go in and buy one. The Löwenstrasse parallel street is also one of Zurich’s leading shopping streets.

Most of us will probably feel more at home in the Niederdorf area of Zurich’s Old Town, where there are a number of smaller shops.

Most of these have apparently existed since the 16th century. Niederdorfstrasse and down to Oberdorfstrasse and Limmatquai by the river are mandatory for shopping tourists, but be sure to look through the many side streets too! You can suddenly stumble across a small favorite store tucked away in an alley.

What to buy?

The most typical items tourists buy with them from Switzerland are undoubtedly watches, pocket knives and chocolates. Swiss watches have become synonymous with precision and quality, and there is almost no upper price limit for the most exclusive, such as Rolex and Omega.

Admittedly, you can find cheap wristwatches in Zurich defined by AbbreviationFinder, but if the price is under 40 Swiss francs, or 200 kroner, then it’s probably Asian imports. The most affordable Swiss watches are the well-known Swatch brand, and the M-watch.

The pocket knives, or Swiss Army Knifes as they are called internationally, are also one of Switzerland’s foremost inventions and merchandise. As the name suggests, they were made quite right for the Swiss army in 1891. You can buy these high-quality knives from Riethmüller AG at Bahnhofstrasse 31, or less expensive variants at the tourist shops. And don’t bring it with you in your luggage when you get home!

Swiss chocolate is considered one of the best in the world, and is a top seller in the tourist shops, or at the biggest grocery stores Coop and Migros, which have a huge selection on their chocolate shelves. The best of Swiss chocolate is found at the traditional Confiserie Sprüngli in Bahnhofstrasse 21, which is also Zurich’s oldest bakery. Alternatively, visit Teuscher in Storchengasse 9.

Shopping Centers

On Bahnhofstrasse are two of the city’s largest department stores. The traditional Jelmoli has existed since 1833, but today is in sharp competition with the modern Globus.

However, Zurich’s most popular shopping center is probably Shop Ville under the train station, which is one of the few places that is actually open seven days a week, from 0900 to 2100.

Markets

At Bürkliplatz at the south end of Bahnhofstrasse, and at Helvetiaplatz west of the train station, flower and vegetable markets are organized every Friday between 0600 and 1100. On Saturdays there are all kinds of groceries sold at Bürkliplatz from hundreds of small stalls.

Also check out the Arrivals Hall at the train station on Wednesdays, as the gourmet market with Swiss food products is kept in focus.

Generally about shopping in Zurich

The shop opening hours are usually from 0900 to 1830 or 2000 on weekdays, and from 0900 to 1600 or 1700 on Saturdays. On Sundays, most are closed, with the exception being Shop Ville.

Don’t forget that you pay 7.6% VAT and that on all purchases over 400 Swiss francs, or about NOK 2000, you can get a refund of the VAT on departure. Not all stores have a VAT refund scheme, so look for the Tax Free Shopping badge at the entrance to buy expensive products. Remember to bring a completed and stamped form and receipt.

Zurich Eats

Many associate Swiss food with fondue. Fondue is usually based on cheese, but is also offered with oil or chocolate. If you want to try this out, we can recommend Adler’s Swiss Chuchi, at Hotel Adler at the intersection of Niederdorfstrasse and Rosengasse. Prices start at around NOK 150 per person. Table reservation is recommended.

But the dish most typical of exactly Zurich is undoubtedly Zürigschnätzlets. This is veal in a sauce of cream and wine. As an accessory, try the roasti, a kind of thick mashed potato pancake. Rösti is also served as a main course, but is often seasoned with cheese, onions and bacon. And of course we should not forget the Swiss cheese, or Emmenthal, which has one of the places of honor in Swiss cuisine.

If you want to try something really local, then find the way to the old classic Rheinfelder Bierhalle in Niederdorfstrasse 76, which really meets all your expectations and prejudices about the Alpine country. Swiss food and cheap beer on the menu, and in the room there are white ceiling lights and long wooden benches that you would like to share with the sideman. So arch-Swiss that you almost expect a gentleman with a Tyrolean hat and the manager’s pants to pop up on the table every now and then.

Please note that this room can be quite smoky, at the time of writing the Swiss have not yet introduced any smoking law.

Another very Swiss but slightly nicer restaurant is Zeughauskeller in Bahnhofstrasse 28a, right on Paradeplatz. In a 15th-century building, this basement restaurant has been serving traditional Swiss food for 85 years, often prepared after centuries-old recipes. Among the city’s most fashionable restaurants is Sein, located in Schützengasse 5, just off the train station. Sein is known for a creative menu and they also have a good selection for vegetarians.
Zurich is also home to Europe’s first vegetarian restaurant. Hiltl opened as early as 1898 and is located at 28 Sihlstrasse.

If you are in the daring corner and want to try something completely out of the ordinary, then choose the restaurant Blindekuh, or at good Norwegian Blindebukk. Here, blind waiters serve you food made by blind cooks, and you sit in the steamy darkness eating something you have no idea what is or what it looks like. What does the interior look like? We have no idea! The address is Mühlbachstrasse 48.

Drink in Zurich

Switzerland may not be the country you first think of when it comes to wine, but there are several wine districts in the country. Most are located in the west of Switzerland, around Geneva and Neuchatel, and in Ticino in the south. You’ve probably never heard of any of the brands because it’s not exported out of the country, but Riesling X Sylvaner is a decent and popular white wine. The red wines aren’t the whole world. Read more about Swiss wine !

The Swiss are also enthusiastic about their Rivella, a locally produced soft drink with carbonated acid, but based on milk products, thus containing lactose.

Also try the chocolate milk drink Ovomaltine, which has a tradition of more than a hundred years in Switzerland and which is ever popular.

The largest brewery in Switzerland is Feldschlösschen, which among other things produces the mild pilsner beer of the same name. At the other end of the scale you have powder barrel Samichlaus, one of the world’s strongest beer brands at 14%. It is produced (fortunately) only for Christmas, hence the name called Santa Claus. We also have the sense of the bright Pilsen Unser Bier from Basel, and Appenzeller’s Natural Pearl.

Shopping and Eating in Zadar, Croatia

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Zadar is one of the largest cities in the country of Croatia.

Shopping in Zadar

Zadar, the capital of Croatia described on Countryaah is a big city by Croatian scale, so this is a place where you can shop most of the time. Of course, Zadar can’t compare to metropolises like London, Milan or Paris, but on the other hand, why not go here if the main goal is shopping of the latest fashion either?

Zadar defined by AbbreviationFinder is a happy summer holiday town, and of course also touristy, so it does not surprise anyone if you find Norwegian or Swedish newspapers in a newsstand. In any case, you can buy newspapers from Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom. Take a trip to Slobodna Dalmacija kiosk on the mainland side of the bridge leading to the Old Town.

What is worth bringing along are local delicacies, such as cheese and ham. Feel free to take a look at Croatian crafts and ancient antiques as well. Very nice to buy and at good prices. Most of the attention is given to the local lace arts. The price may seem high, but these are top-class crafts, and the number of hours behind is many! If you are looking for clothing, shoes or accessories, local brands will be cheap. International brands, on the other hand, have international prices too.

Lace and crafts products in Zadar

Studio Like is found in the street Don Ive Prodana 7 and it is open from 0900 to 1500 and 1800 to 2100 every weekday. Saturdays, only the morning session is held and Sundays are closed. Here you will find traditional lace products from the surrounding area and also other craft products from other places in Croatia, eg. Dubrovnik and Lepoglava. You will also find ceramics and glass noise here.

Antiques in Zadar

For antique shopping, head to the antique market located on the street Jurja Barakovića, in the old town. Open daily between 0900 and 1400, and 1500 to 2100. Here you will find a number of products made in the Dalmatia region, and if you are able to negotiate, you may be able to make a real bargain!

Shopping food and delicacies in Zadar

Pag cheese and Posedarski pršut are something you just have to buy. Pršut ham means just as much to the people of the Dalmatia region as Parma ham means to Italians. Of course you have to buy this with you. You get dry and salted or soft and mild. Whichever type of ham is good! Best enjoyed with olive oil, tomatoes and delicious red wine! Pag is sheep’s milk cheese, and in taste and consistency it may be reminiscent of Parmesan. The cheese is expensive but worth it. Look for outlets with signs that say “Paški sir”.

The Slavonica store is located in the City Gallery shopping center (in Murvička 1 street) and is a must visit for anyone who loves meat, ham and salami. Not least, you will find home-made Slavonic specialties here!

Shopping centers in Zadar

Callegro (We have been told that this center is closed! Please feel free to provide additional information at the bottom of our page).
In the heart of Zadar you will find a modern and quite special shopping center. It is called Callegro and is located on the street Široka ulica 18. Opening hours are 0730 to 2400 week throughout the high season. The inspiration for the Arctic tour is taken from Roman times, but the packaging is hypermodern. There are also dining, cinema and much more, as well as all kinds of shops.

City Gallery
In Murvička 1 street you will find this multicenter where spectacular architecture contains lots of shops and cultural activities. City Gallery is an attraction in itself. Open from 0900 to 2100 Monday to Saturday. Open 0900 to 1400 on Sundays. We could just as well have been in London or Berlin, but without such great beaches nearby! NB On Sundays, the supermarket, cafes, the local (green) market and the cinema are open. Ordinary stores are closed.

Eating in Zadar

There is plenty of delicious food waiting for you in Zadar and Croatia. Homemade pasta has long traditions. And different areas of Croatia have their own specialties. Such pasta is often combined with lamb. Certainly followed by cherry liqueur, which is also a local specialty in and around Zadar. This drink dates back to the 16th century.

You will also be able to eat a lot of good seafood. Croatia has the Adriatic coast from north to south. Otherwise, a lot of meat is eaten, often pork and bacon.

You do not “have to” give tips in Croatia, but it is common with up to 10% drink in restaurants if you are well satisfied with the service.

Pizza is probably the most popular dish in Croatia as in the Western world otherwise. Why not eat your pizza in Zadar’s oldest Pizza Restaurant. It’s called Tri Bunara and logically located on Trg Tri Bunara, and has kept you going since the 1920s. Open for dinner from 1900 to 2400 every day.

Local food in Zadar

Want local food is a classic in the Zadar restaurant Albin. Albin uses its own olive oil and is more than a little known for its fish soup. The address is Put Dikla 47, and opening hours are 1800 to 2400.

Lamb meat is a specialty on the Dalmatia coast You cannot be on the Dalmatia coast without eating lamb, and then preferably lamb from the island of Pag. A good choice in Zadar is Tamaris in the street Zagrebačka 5. If for some strange reason you do not like lamb, you can of course eat other local food. Positive also that the restaurant has a lot of good wine to offer. The restaurant is open for dinner from 1900 to 2400.

Nightlife in Zadar

There is plenty to do in Zadar after the restaurant visit. There are several nightclubs and discos in the city. And like many holiday resorts, the atmosphere is friendly and characterized by people of all ages using the establishments. The Old Town is popular to visit in the evening, as are nightlife options at Borik and Diklo. To enjoy the wonderful sunset in Zadar, a tip is to visit the Mango bar located about 5 km outside the city center, north of the city along the coast. The address is Krešimirova obala 12, by Diklo. The place is popular and is open from 2000 until 0400.

If you are the type of combination pub and disco then try Maya Pubin Liburnska obala 6. Here is a little Ibiza style with Shiva figure on the wall and terrace with sea view. At night, this becomes a very cool club. There are often live bands, often local artists. Open from 1900 to 0300.

The most beautiful is perhaps The Garden, started by the former drummer in the band UB40. The address is Bedemi zadarskih pobuna bb at the top of the Venetian fortress wall. The Garden hosts the festival in early July. Many claim this is the best lounge on the Adriatic coast. At least on the east coast of the Adriatic.

Shopping and Eating in Wroclaw, Poland

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Wroclaw is one of the largest cities in the country of Poland.

Shopping in Wroclaw

There is a nice price level in Poland, and this benefit you bring with you as a tourist in Wroclaw defined by AbbreviationFinder. But you do not come here to shop well-known western brands. Not that you won’t find everything from Armani to Donna Karan here, but it’s not much cheaper than home.

On the other hand, it is much cheaper to find when it comes to locally produced products, whether it is food and drink, craft products, clothing and jewelry, or antiques.

The most expensive shops can be found in the streets of Odrzanska and Mikolaja. Here are boutiques you might as well find in Paris or Milan. Another such street is Kielbasnicza. By the way, this is a street those of us who like to look in cozy antique shops also go to.

Most tourists probably shop no matter more in the area around the square in the center of Old Town, and especially in the streets of ulica Swidnicka and ulica Olawska. Here it is formally packed with all kinds of shops, and the whole family will probably find something that suits their own style and wallet.

Markets in Wroclaw

Not far from the train station you will find Wroclaw’s largest market. It’s called the Zielinskiego Market and it’s located at Plac Zielinskiego, which you will find at the corner of Piaskowa and Sw. Ducha. This is an attraction you should bring even if you are not primarily in Wroclaw to shop. Here you get everything! Open all days except Sundays. Weekdays from 0700 to 1800 and Saturdays from 0700 to 1500.

You can find another market in the street ul. Piaskowa 17. It is called Hala Targowa and was once the leading market in Wroclaw. Today, the selection is still very good, although it is probably a little less popular than the Zielinskiego market. Open from 0800 to 1830 every weekday, and Saturdays from 0900 to 1500. Closed Sundays.

Shopping centers in Wroclaw

There are many great shopping centers in Wroclaw, but the fact is you basically only need to know about one of them. It’s called Magnolia Park and it’s the biggest and best. Almost as an adventure center to count. You can just take a taxi to Magnolia Park since it is located in ul. Legnicka 58, a little outside the city center.

If you do not want to leave the city center, you have Arkady Wroclawskie in the street
ul. Powstanców Slaskich 2-4, not far from the train station. Here are more than 100 well-known brand stores including H&M and Benetton in addition to restaurants and cafes. Aquariums and other children’s entertainment are also on site.

Souvenirs in Wroclaw

If you are one of those who consider postcards, plastic clocks or a cup with the Wroclaw City Hall on, as a souvenir, then know that “junkies” selling such are everywhere. But do not think that it is a Polish product you buy. Most likely, the cup is from China.

Of other more “real” souvenir products, it is primarily amber, and then in the form of jewelry, which is most popular. And amber jewelry can be really beautiful. Just make sure you bring a real one. For example, go to Galeria Art Amber in the street ul. Szewska 68 / 1a to avoid being fooled. Galeria Art Amber is well known outside Wroclaw.

Alternatively, beverages are a decent souvenir. Poland is the real homeland of Vodka, and not Russia as you might have assumed? Buy with a bottle of Chopin. Or how about a bottle of Goldwasser ? You know the liqueur with 22 to 23 carat leaf-gold in!

Eating in Wroclaw

Like many other cities, Wroclaw is heavily influenced by its history in terms of food and nightlife. With its German history you will find several beautiful beer gardens and beer halls in the city, not least Bierhalle Zwizki. This happy tourist trap can be found in the street Ratusz 24-27. Here are beers in large glasses, waitresses in colorful uniforms with big rings, and German-inspired food. And all at nice prices.

Wroclaw also has Jewish restaurants as a result of the city’s historically strong Jewish enclave. One of the best Jewish restaurants is Sarah in the street ul. Wlodkowica 5, not far from the synagogue, west of the old town. And they have more to offer than kosher food. Open from 1200 to 2200.

You can also eat international food in Wroclaw. Good restaurants with cuisine from Italy, Greece, India or Mexico are just as common here, as in well-known cities in the West. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, there are also the same fast food chains here that you also know from other big cities, e.g. TGF or “Fridays” as it is now referred to as in daily speech.

So-called green restaurants are also spreading, and Vega Bar Weganski is probably the oldest vegan variety in Wroclaw with its start in 1987. The food is made from scratch, and you also get fresh fruits, vegetables, soups, nuts, herbs and you name it.

Vega Bar Weganski is open from 0800 to 2000 (2100 Fridays and Saturdays) every day. The address is Rynek 27a.

Polish food has no reputation for being the best in the world in terms of haute cuisine, but the portions are large, the drink strong and the influence of Germany and Austria palpable. It is certainly pleasant to spend an evening at a Polish restaurant, and the food is better than you think.

Some select restaurants in Wroclaw

The restaurant Cesarsko-Królewska in the street Rynek 19 tries to recreate the grandeur of the past in cities like Vienna. The restaurant has several magnificent dining rooms, literally, and the menu consists of delicious game dishes as well as other classic European cuisine. You will also have the opportunity to taste delicious vodka here.

Capri
This Italian trattoria offers pasta and other well-known Italian dishes, and is just as good as a restaurant in Italy. Opening hours are from 1200 to 2400. The address is ul. Wiezienna 21 in the old town.

Gallo Nero
Take the trip to Pl. Teatralna 4, in the basement of Teatr Lalek, you will find (yet another) Italian restaurant that gets good feedback. Previously, this was the very special restaurant Restauracja Teatralna where the world was literally turned upside down.

There is still something unique about eating in these premises. Both exclusive and popular at once.

Nightlife in Wroclaw

In Poland, it is often the case that the bars only close when the last customer leaves the scene, and it is no different in Wroclaw. At least around the market square in the old town.

You will also find good night spots west of the main square, ie in ul. Ruska and ul. Wlodkowica. The former street is the youth’s favorite with many clubs and bars. Many travelers and residents alike make the trip to the old train station at Plac Orlat Lwowskich.

Itinerary Tips!

What should we do, we who enjoyed the very cozy music bar / restaurant Ragtime? Well we suggest the bar right next door, more specifically at Pl. Solny 11. The place is called Cocktail bar by Incognito and it is a good old fashioned cocktail bar which offers first class drinks in a safe and relaxed environment. What more could one want?

Shopping and Eating in Washington DC

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to AbbreviationFinder, Washington DC is one of the largest cities in the country of United States.

Shopping in Washington DC

Washington DC’s premier shopping district is located in the northwest, more specifically in Georgetown. There are shops around M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, scattered on both sides of the many pedestrian streets. In addition to expensive designer outlets such as Versace, Gucci and Dior and small specialist stores, you will also find several large shopping centers with all the well-known store chains. Americans love their malls, and they are, like most things in the United States, gigantic.

Souvenirs

You might expect to find most and largest stores in Downtown and around the National Mall, but here are mostly just souvenir shops. In contrast, the city has an exceptionally good selection of these, from the tourist shops with myriad variants of t-shirts, cups and bags with a picture of the Capitol and White House and rubber masks by the presidents, to the slightly more exclusive gift shops most museums have their areas.

But there are some exceptions. Just east of the White House, at 1201 G Street NW, is the branch of one of America’s largest department stores, Macy’s. In the quarter below, you’ll find the small National Place shopping center at 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, and close by, at 529 14th Street, is the city branch of Filene’s Basement. This is a Boston-based concept with a large selection of surplus brand clothing, where you can find designer products or wedding dresses at a fraction of the price. Both clothes and shoes for men, women and children.

At Capitol Hill, take a look at Union Station, which is not only a train station, but also a large and modern indoor shopping center, with hundreds of shops, restaurants, eateries and a cinema complex. If you are a stamp collector, just head to the National Postal Museum, which will be a treasure trove for avid philatelists.

A block away from Union Station is several more bohemian Eastern Market, which has its roots back to 1873. South Hall still sells fresh vegetables, fish and shellfish, fruits and flowers, dairy products and meats, while outdoor arts and crafts are organized on weekends. craft fair on Saturdays and flea market on Sundays.

Most major shops and shopping centers are open from 1000 to 2000 or 2100 on all weekdays, and from 1100 to 1800 on Sundays.

Washington DC, the capital of USA described on Countryaah has a 5.75% sales tax plus all items when you pay. But there is no effective system for refunding this tax upon departure.

Eating in Washington

Washington DC residents are among the youngest and most buoyant in the United States, and few eat at a restaurant more often than them. And the selection matches demand, here it is teeming with eateries in all price ranges with kitchens from all over the world. If you want to eat Vietnamese, Peruvian, Italian, Indian, Polish, Lebanese or Argentine, then you can find it in Washington DC.

Most restaurants are in the area around Dupont Circle, Georgetown and Adams Morgan. In recent years, suburban Alexandria, which is actually located in Virginia and not in DC, has also established itself as a reputable restaurant area. Washington DC residents are increasingly heading south to test out some of Alexandria’s increasingly trendy eateries.

Here is a list of the top ten restaurants in Washington DC!

As of this writing, this list is topped by the elegant French restaurant Michel Richard Citronelle, located in the Latham Hotel at 3000 M Street NW, Georgetown. It’s not cheap, but here your food is made by one of the country’s most renowned managers, and the service is probably always outstanding ! Reservation is required.

Georgetown’s premier restaurant streets are M Street and Wisconsin Avenue. One of the classic eateries here is the seafood restaurant Sequoia, which also has an outdoor terrace overlooking the Potomac River.

More affordable and centrally located is the modern Asian restaurant TenPenh, which is named after the address on the corner of Tenth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. We were very pleased with our food and really enjoyed the room, which is decorated with objects and art from China and Thailand.

Important about nightlife and restaurants in the US and Washington

Don’t forget that waiters and waiters, etc. work on tip-based pay, and 15% of the bill is a minimum you should consider if the service has been good. Anything below this will probably lead to dissatisfied murmurings about stingers. If you are very satisfied with the service, you should add 20-25%.

Despite Monty Python forever and ever giving American beer a reputation for being thin and tasteless, (“Like making love in a canoe; it’s f ****** close to water…..”) You have a lot of tasty in store for the capital’s pubs. Here you will find an overview of the district’s breweries, pubs and beer specialists.

Shopping and Eating in Warsaw, Poland

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Warsaw is one of the largest cities in the country of Poland.

Shopping in Warsaw

Poland, after its membership in the EU, has noticed that prices have increased, but you still get very good value for money in Warsaw, the capital of Poland described on Countryaah. Imported goods are of course not particularly cheaper than at home, but all of the locally produced goods have generally very reasonable prices.

Like almost everywhere else in Eastern Europe, amber jewelry and crystal products are the most common souvenirs that tourists come home with. You will find these in hundreds of street stalls virtually everywhere in Warsaw defined by AbbreviationFinder.

The main shopping streets are Nowy Swiat and the Chmielna cross street, where you will find everything from shoes, music, clothes and books.

Shopping malls and outdoor markets in Warsaw

There are plenty of great shopping centers and department stores in Warsaw. The largest and most central is the Galeria Center in Marszalkowska in the center. Further north, in Muranow, is the equally large Arcadia in Jana Pawla II 82, and not far away in Okopowa 58/72 is the Klif shopping center.

Those who thrive in markets have something to look forward to when they come to Warsaw. And this despite the huge “Russian market” that has long been located at the Dziesieciolecia Stadium in Praga is now gone.

This once was an endless maze of stalls selling obscure items such as pirated CDs, DVDs, clothing, shoes, vodka, software, fishing rods, cosmetics, cigarettes and books, and also Russian uniforms, statues of Hitler, Iron Cross and infrared binoculars, has been removed by the authority. If you asked the right seller, you could probably have bought plutonium, panda bears, Munch paintings, crocodiles or a bazooka here as well. Where all these sellers have now taken the road is the question everyone asks.

Kolo Bazar in Warsaw

Kolo Bazar is a great option for those who love to go in search of “fleas” and rarities. With opening hours from 0600 to 1800 every weekday and to 1600 Saturdays and Sundays this is an accessible market where you can buy all sorts of weird products. Here, of course, you do not pay the retail price, but negotiate as best you can. The address is ul. Obozowa 99.

Tax Free Shopping in Warsaw

Do not forget that you pay VAT and that on all purchases over 200 zloty you can get refunded VAT on departure. Not all stores have a VAT refund scheme, so look for the Tax Free Shopping badge at the entrance to buy expensive products. Remember to bring a completed and stamped form and receipt.

Eating in Warsaw

Few of us have any exact associations with the term “Polish food”, but if you have been to the Czech Republic, you have some idea of what awaits you. Like the rest of Eastern Europe, traditional Polish food is based on ingredients such as pork, bacon, sausages, sauerkraut potatoes, and thick, brown sauces. In addition to all the soups. The food is usually served in large, saturating portions.

An archetypal Polish dinner will usually consist of the appetizer smalec (fried kebab with bread) or the soup Zurek (a sour rye soup with potatoes and sausage) followed by the unofficial national dish bigos. This is a hunter’s garden consisting of meat, onions and sauerkraut that has stood and “compensated” for a few days, and it is probably only the country’s own residents who supply themselves twice. For dessert, the cheesecake is often served sernik. Everything is washed down with bare vodka or beer. Na zdrowie!

Warsaw is far from the coastline, so fish and other seafood are not as common here as it is further north in the country, even though the Vistula River flows through the center.

Some select restaurants in Warsaw

You will find many restaurants in the center of Warsaw serving traditional Polish cuisine, such as the Honoratka Cafe in Miodowa 14. This is one of the city’s oldest eateries, and Frederic Chopin, who lived in Warsaw for 20 years, was a regular guest here. The venue is in a medieval cellar, and the menu matches, with dishes such as wild boar in juniper sauce with mead to drink. Afterwards you have a short distance to the many nightlife in the Old Town.

Taxis in Warsaw have a starting price of 6 zloty, and then about 10 kroner per kilometer in the evening / night time, so you are not ruined by spending a taxi home to the hotel afterwards.

Also Restaurant Przy Zamku serves Polish cuisine and is very popular with tourists, not least because of its location vis a vis the castle. The address is plac Zamkowy 15/19.

For a coffee or lunch, try the semi-legendary Blikle Cafe on Nowy Swiat 33.

If you want to try something more fun, we can suggest Kompania Piwna in Podwale 25, just west of the Barbican. This is actually a large beer hall, but they serve large dining areas with thick beer additives, and there is a generally cheerful atmosphere here and in the garden outside. The place is suitable for both families and couples. Afterwards you have a short way down to the Old Town nightlife.

If you prefer to eat Japanese, Indian, French, Italian, Mexican, Brazilian or Chinese, there are plenty of options for that as well.

Nightlife in Warsaw

Vodka can be considered the national drink in Poland, and the Poles claim that it was they who invented it. Here, the vodka should be drunk bar in small glasses, and preferably swallowed in one sip. However, there is no tradition of wine in Poland, and no wines are produced here either. Wine is of course available at restaurants and shops, and the Hungarian wines are considerably less expensive than Western European ones.

Beer, on the other hand, drinks a lot of poles, but beer is not necessarily served cold as with us. The most popular are the bright pillar brands Zywiec, Okocim and Duitsie. Try the microbrewery at Bierhalle in Nowy Swiat 2. A pint usually costs about 25 kroner at a pub or cafe.

Shopping and Eating in Vilnius, Lithuania

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Vilnius is one of the largest cities in the country of Lithuania.

Shopping in Vilnius

You do not go to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania described on Countryaah primarily for shopping. Granted, the prices are low, but the selection is not very different than in Norway when it comes to shoes and clothes.

But you will still have fun by visiting some of the many craft and souvenir shops. The most typical souvenir you can take home from Vilnius is undoubtedly amber jewelry. You will find plenty of market stalls selling this along the Pilies Gatve pedestrian street in the Old Town, and in Vilnius’ oldest street, Ausros Vartu Gatve. Here you can also buy crafts such as religious statues, wooden dolls and toys, woven baskets and the classic eggs with one grandmother (or Russian president) after another inside each other.

In many places you can also come across objects from the Soviet era, so if you wanted a Red Army hat, Soviet banknotes and coins, framed Stalin pictures or a small hammer-and-sickle to the fireplace shelf, you have come to the right city.

Gedimino Prospectus – the shopping street in Vilnius

The main shopping street in Vilnius is without doubt the new and beautiful Gedimino Prospectus. Here you will find most fashionable clothing chains such as Zara and Marks & Spencer.

Markets in Vilnius

You can also have great fun by visiting the morning market in Kalvarijos, in the district of Snipiskes north of Neris. Here it is high tempo and an equally high noise level, while vegetables, fruits, fish, meat and flowers are sold over hundreds of dishes.

Shopping centers in Vilnius

If you prefer shopping centers, you have the Europa Tower in Snipiskees just north of Neris and the Old Town, and a few kilometers further north is the Baltic’s largest shopping and entertainment center, the Acropolis, where you will also find cinemas, bowling alley and ice skating rink. The designer shops selling Armani, Dior and Escada can be found in front of Vilnius City Hall.

In general about shopping in Vilnius

Most shops in Vilnius defined by AbbreviationFinder are open from 8am. 1000 to 1800 on weekdays, and to 1500 on Saturdays. Sundays are mostly closed everywhere, except for the most persistent souvenir shops. Don’t forget to pay VAT, and on all purchases over 200 litas, or approx. 500 NOK, you can get a refund of the VAT on departure. Not every business practices this scheme, so look for the Tax Free Shopping badge at the entrance if you are going to buy some more expensive items and bring a completed and stamped form and receipt.

Eating in Vilnius

Like the rest of Eastern Europe, traditional food in Lithuania is characterized by meat and potatoes, cabbage and fatty, brown sauces. It should be honestly admitted that Vilnius’ restaurants are not world class in terms of food or service. But the quality is decent enough, while your wallet comes out relatively well from the meeting, even at the best restaurants in town.

A main course at a good restaurant is around a hundred pieces. As tourism grows, ethnic restaurants have of course emerged, so you have plenty of options if you prefer to eat Indian, Argentine, Chinese, Turkish or Swedish.

If you intend to take a bar-to-bar lap in Vilnius, at least you will not wear out your shoe soles until it is time to go home. The dining places are close to the Old Town, and you do not have to go far, no matter where in the city you are when the thirst begins. Beer is the main drink in Lithuania, with vodka notched in the heel.

The beer is often served with bars of deep-fried garlic bread, while the vodka is served bar. Wine has no tradition in Lithuania. Of course, you can buy wine at most restaurants and bars, but it is always imported and relatively expensive compared to the options.

Of the restaurants in Vilnius, the itinerary of personal experience can recommend these:

Sue’s Indian Raja
Odminiu 3.
This Indian restaurant with an outdoor table by the cathedral square has a sister restaurant in Riga that was recently named one of Europe’s best.

Lokys
Stikliu str 8.
In a basement room in the Jewish quarters is this atmospheric medieval restaurant where you can choose boats, beaver, wild boar and bear from the menu. The less ambitious can choose fish or bird. Entrance via a steep and very narrow stone staircase.

El Gaucho Sano
Pilies gatve 10.
In the Old Town’s main street, this Argentine restaurant is at the heart of the Atrium Hotel room. The specialty is tender, juicy steaks, served on planks with lots of accessories.

Shopping and Eating in Vienna, Austria

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Vienna is one of the largest cities in the country of Austria.

Shopping in Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria described on Countryaah is not a cheap shopping city. Historically it has always been expensive in Vienna, not least because of the wealth of aristocracy and its demand for the exclusive and refined. However, you will find flea markets and street markets where you can make discoveries. In addition, Vienna offers top quality handicraft products and of course, trendy clothes and jewelry.

There are always many people shopping between the Opera House and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the most exclusive shopping areas can be found around Kärtner Strasse, Graben and Kohlmarkt. Around the last two streets there is a lot of good when it comes to antique shops and art galleries. If you see stores labeled KUK, this stands for Kaiserlich Und Königlich, which means that the store is the official court supplier. You can also assume that the goods in the store are expensive.

If you are looking for cheaper products, try the shopping centers in the south of Vienna or the shops around Favoritenstrasse and Meidlinger Hauptstrasse.

Window shopping in Vienna

Window shopping in Vienna defined by AbbreviationFinder is very nice. Strolling around the narrow and charming streets of the city center (Inner Stadt) and looking at the range of designer shops and providers of arts and crafts is an experience in itself.

Vienna’s longest shopping street is probably Mariahilferstraße (see picture first in the article). Here you will find a rich variety of shops, not least the Gerngross shopping center, which is known for value-for-money items. Gerngross is on five floors and also has restaurants if the hunger turns up. The address is Mariahilfer Straße 38-40. You will find the street in District 6, southwest of District 1.

Markets in Vienna

One of the most famous markets in Vienna is the Naschmarkt. This market has a large selection of fresh vegetables and fruits in addition to a lot of specialty foods. The market opens at 0600 in the morning and does not close until 1800 on weekdays and 1700 on Saturdays. The market is located just off Karlsplatz.

One market for those looking for rarities and spin-offs is the Alt Wiener Flohmarkt, located in Kettenbrückengasse. The flea market is open from sunrise to 7 p.m. 1700 on Saturdays. Here you will find everything!

At Christmas, Vienna has several Christmas markets. The most famous one is right next to the town hall and is called Christkindlmarkt.

Tax free shopping in Vienna

A tip for happy visitors from outside the EU: You can claim a refund of 20% VAT. on values exceeding 75 euros. You can do this at the airport when you go home. The person who purchases (or demands the money refunded) must be over 18 years of age and purchases are counted per day. That means you have to shop for at least 75 Euro in one day.

Eating in Vienna

Over the past 30 years, Vienna’s eateries have had a real boom. Generally, a lot of beer is drank in Austria, and besides, good wine is produced. In particular, Austrian white wine is of high quality. You will find many good cafés and local restaurants in Vienna, as well as a growing number of Asian and Indian restaurants.

The local food is naturally influenced by countries such as Hungary, Italy, Turkey and Germany. The fish food is rarely of the highest brand, naturally enough since the country does not have its own coastline. Of course, you must try the Wienerschnitzel while in Vienna. There is breaded veal with lemon. There are many sausage stalls, and they have good supper. These stalls are called Wurstelstand.

We must also mention Vienna’s many pastries that are worth trying. Relax with a coffee and Austrian apple cake and you will feel like the world is good. There are also many fine coffee houses. Try the Cafe Museum which opened in 1889 and is located in Friedrichstraße 6 / Operngasse 7 near Karlplatz.

The local bars, where you can also dine, are called Beisels and are everywhere. These are usually family owned restaurants where the owner even pours beer and prepares the food.

Some recommended eateries in Vienna

Figlmüller in the street Wollzeile 5 at Stephansplatz is the flagship restaurant of Figlmüller. Here you will find Vienna’s largest Vienna schnitzel. Figlmüller is usually open from 1100 to 2330 every day of the week.

Schweizerhaus in the street Strasse on 1 May 116 (2nd district) is a typical Viennese restaurant. The restaurant also has a garden and the prices are pleasantly low.

The Swiss House offers typical German / Austrian cuisine and atmosphere. Here, of course, we talk a lot of beer, not only in glass, but also in food. We think, for example. at Biersuppe and Budweiser Bierkraut. Otherwise, a lot goes into meat. Try Hintere Schweinsstelze or Krautfleisch Nach art des hauses.

Schweizerhaus is mostly open from 1100 to 2300. NB! Reasonable prices considering large portions of food.

Pizzeria Osteria da Giovanni
In Sigmundsgasse 14 you will find one of several good Italian restaurants in Vienna. Like Italian restaurants it is informal and has nice prices. The menu offers traditional Italian dishes such as pizza, but also some specialties. Good wine selection.

NB! Not open for lunch on weekdays. Opens 1600 and closes approximately 2300.

Cafes and patisseries

Patisseries and cafes must be tried several times while in Vienna. And not just brown varieties. Many of the cafés and patisseries in Vienna are architectural masterpieces. And there are also the pastries here too. And we should not hide that you can also have a lot of fun drinking. A local specialty of the coffee houses is Mocha sprinkled. It’s black coffee with brandy!

Cafe Central in Vienna

Cafe Central is located in Herrengasse 14 in ” Inner Stadt “, and then you understand that you are in District 1. Cafe Central is located in Palais Ferstel and opened as early as 1876.

Cafe Central quickly became a meeting place for the intellectuals in Vienna and here both Freud, Stalin, Hitler and Trotsky have eaten, drunk and discussed. In the premises of Central, revolutions have been planned and scientific theories have been produced, discussed and rejected.

Cafe Central is popularly known as the “chess school” since the 2nd floor has often been used for board games. Cafe Central is as good and bad as a tourist attraction like a Café these days, but it’s hard to avoid a visit here during your trip to Vienna.

Also visit……

Old Bakehouse is the patisserie / cafe which is also a museum. The address is Lange Gasse 34 (District 8). Alternatively, try Zartl in Rasumofskygasse 7 (District 3). Here, there are often concerts and poetry reading in the evenings. Café Zartl is usually open from 0700 to 2200.

Demel is one of the best pastry shops in Vienna and is located in Kohlmarkt 14 (1st district). Here you will find everything even calories.

Shopping and Eating in Venice, Italy

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Venice is one of the largest cities in the country of Italy.

Shopping in Venice

Shopping in Venice defined by AbbreviationFinder can be a costly affair. After all, this is Italy’s most expensive city. Venice offers quality and exclusivity that is not left behind for Paris and Milan. The fashion conscious will find products from all the major designers like Armani, Versace and Prada in the shops around St. Mark’s Square.

The best shoe and clothing stores are located in Torre dell Orologio, the street that leads from St. Mark’s Square to the Rialto Bridge. Here are also some antique shops, another Venice specialty, although the few tourists have a holiday budget that makes shopping possible.

Venetian specialties

Many tourists tend to end up with typical Venice souvenirs such as small wooden or plastic gondola models that street vendors have put on them. Rather focus on real Venetian glass art. You can buy it directly from the factory outlets on the island of Murano, where the glass factories were located after a city fire in the 13th century.

In Murano, you can watch as the glass artist picks up a red-hot lump from the stove and with some quick grips with pliers pulls out four legs, one head, one tail, and flip: a stealing glass horse! Be sure to pack your purchases well for the return trip!

Lace is another local specialty. On the colorful island of Burano, the art is kept alive at its own lace school, which produces the island’s most important export item. It is incredibly fascinating to look at black-clad old wives who sit silently in the doorway and conjure up the most intricate details of their craft.

Carnival masks are perhaps the most archetypal you can bring home. They are most often made in cardboard masks and are available in all sizes, shapes and colors, from refrigerator magnets to heavy feathers and head ornaments. Look for this in the markets of San Polo right across the Rialto Bridge.

Those who prefer large shopping malls and arcades should probably (fortunately) find themselves on a trip to the mainland. Nearest town is Mestre.

In general about shopping in Venice

The stores are usually open from 10am. From 0930 to 1330 and from. 1530 to 2000, but this varies. Most shops are closed on Sundays, although there are exceptions.

Tax Free Shopping in Venice

Don’t forget that you pay 20% VAT and on all purchases over approx. You can get a refund of NOK 1500 on departure. Not all businesses have this scheme on their sale, so look for the Tax Free Shopping badge at the entrance if you are going to buy some more expensive items and bring a completed and stamped form and receipt.

NB! It might be tempting to buy a copy of a brand from one of the many African illegal immigrants that you are sure to come across. But be aware that in many places Italian police have given up trying and fining the sellers, as they often have neither money nor ID papers. But it has YOU.

Civilian-clad policemen are therefore keeping a close eye on street vendors, and if they see that you are buying a pirate copy of, for example. a Louis Vutton case or Rolex watch at a fraction of the price, you should expect to receive a staggering fine of the order of $ 25,000-30000.

Eating in Venice

In Venice, there are hundreds of restaurants serving typical Italian food such as pasta and pizza. Beyond these dishes is the seafood that dominates the menus. As elsewhere in Italy, the pasta is relatively inexpensive, while the seafood varies in price.

You can get cheap fish at a simple restaurant or specially made squid for astronomical bucks. If you want to eat quality food, we recommend leaving the most touristy San Marco area and looking for eateries further into the city center of Venice.

Most eateries have both lunch menus and tourist menus that are less expensive than evening meals, but they are rarely as satisfying.

Featured restaurants in Venice

Da Fiore
One of the most exclusive and most expensive restaurants with a very good reputation is Da Fiore in Calle dei Scaleter. The specialty is traditional Venetian seafood. Pre-booking is absolutely necessary. Here you can have lunch or dinner from 1900 to 2230. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Le Bistrot de Venise
Le Bistrot de Venise at St. Mark’s Square is another highly special restaurant based on local seafood, but with recipes from the 14th to the 17th century. A wide menu provides good food regardless of your taste. The address is Calle dei Fabbri and opening hours are 1200 – 1500 for lunch and 1900 to 2400 all seven days of the week.

Trattoria Alla Madonna
In the street Calle della Madonna, 594, just off the Rialto Bridge, you will find a pleasant and charming restaurant. Trattoria Alla Madonna serves both lunch and dinner. Opening hours are 1200 to 1500 and 1845 to 2245. Closed Wednesdays.

It is a traditional Italian restaurant with a wide menu. There is a lot of good seafood here too. Near the Rialto Bridge are many overpriced tourist traps. So not with Trattoria Alla Madonna. It is not cheap, but neither is “open street robbery” as is often the case around Venice.

Taverna la Fenice
Not far from St. Mark’s Square you will find Taverna la Fenice. The address is Campiello Fenice, 1939. It’s not cheap to eat here either, but the food is often mentioned with great words and positive adjectives. And the restaurant itself is lovely. Also, the location is in the middle of the buttery eye and you can watch people sipping a drink.

NB! Sometimes things take time at this restaurant. So remember; the one waiting for something good… etc Open from 1200 to 2400 every day.

Hard Rock Cafe Venice
Yes, Venice has both McDonald’s and the other fast food chains. It’s just that it feels so unnecessary to visit them here. The exception is (perhaps) the Hard Rock Cafe which you will find at St. Mark’s Square (Bacino Orseolo). Only Hard Rock Cafe where you see gondolas “parked” outside.

Hard Rock Cafe Venice is open from approximately 1130 to 0030 every day of the week.

Algiubagio Restaurant
Among the travel plan’s favorite restaurants, we recommend Algiubagio Restaurant, located at Fondamente Nove in Cannaregio, right at the vaporetto stop that brings you over to Murano. Here you will receive excellent service from knowledgeable waiters, and not least some of the most tasty food we have tasted in all of Italy.

Nightlife in Venice

Although the Italian Peroni beer is light and tasty, we still prefer the Italian wines for the food in Venice. And here is so much quality to choose from that we refrain from recommending one brand ahead of another. As mentioned, Venice’s nightlife is not much to boast about unless you know where to go. There are minimal nightclubs or discos here, but in the Dorsoduro district there is at least a good selection of wine bars and cafes that are open until late at night.

If you find Campo Santa Margerita you will also find a pleasant night out!

Harry’s Bar, which was Hemingway’s favorite place and birthplace of the Bellini drink, is world-renowned, but reports say that the quality of food and service in recent years has been at par with the price level.

Anyway, this is a tourist trap that you just have to fall into, if only for a Bellini drink. The address is Calle Vallaresso 1323, south-east of St. Mark’s Square and down by the sea. Open from 1030 to 2300 throughout the week.

The celebrities opt out of Harry’s Bar and rather go to the Dorsoduro restaurant Antica Locanda Mondin, in Fondamente Eremite 1147. Among the celebrities who have eaten here we can bring up David Bowie, Jimmy Carter, Modigliani, Brad Pitt, Peggy Guggenheimer, Mick Jagger, Yoko Ono and Robert DeNiro.

Caffé Bar Ai Artisti
Ready for a prosecco or maybe a panini? Caffé Bar Ai Artisti in Calle Lunga S. Barnaba is a safe choice. Nice place that provides value for money. Caffé Bar Ai Artisti is usually open from early to 2200 every day of the week.

Caffé Florian
At Piazza San Marco 57 (St. Mark’s Square) you will find perhaps Venice’s most famous café. Caffé Florian goes for being the world’s oldest café. Caffé Florian was established in 1570 and has an interior that you will not easily forget.

Devil’s Forest Pub
On the street Calle dei Stagneri O de la Fava you will find one of the few “genuine” pubs in Venice. Right on the east side of the Rialto Bridge you can enjoy a small pub with selected beers, wine or drinks. It is also possible to get something easy to eat at Devil’s Forest Pub. Open from 1100 to midnight every day of the week.

Shopping and Eating in Valencia, Spain

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Valencia is one of the largest cities in the country of Spain.

Shopping in Valencia

Valencia offers the best shopping opportunities on the entire Costa Blanca coast. Here you will find most major chains, and the Spanish department store El Corte Ingles has several shops in the city, including a huge 7-storey department store just off Ciutat de les Arts in de les Ciències. You will find another large El Corte Ingles center at Plaza Alfonso el Magnanimo in the center east. El Corte Ingles is not very cheap, but the chain takes pride in selling only huge quantities of quality products.

Also, take the time to look at Valencia’s traditional and huge 1928 Mercado Centrale, where you will find close to a thousand stalls offering everything from fresh produce such as fish and meat, fruits, vegetables and flowers. There is always a buzzing life here, and even if you do not plan to buy anything, it is worth the experience, the smells, the sounds and the atmosphere.

Souvenirs in Valencia

You can also visit the small square of Plaza Redondo in Valencia’s old town, where you can buy traditional local crafts and souvenirs such as ceramics and leather products, clothing and wooden figures. This square is not so easy to find, but it is located about a hundred meters southwest of Plaza de la Reina.

In general about shopping in Valencia

The stores are usually open from 0930 to 1330 and from 1630 to 2000, but this varies. Most of them stay closed on Sundays, although some local businesses may consider staying open. The larger shopping centers, on the other hand, do not have siesta, but keep open continuously from 1000 to 1900 or 2000, El Corte Ingles to 2200.

Do not forget that they have VAT in Spain and that on all purchases over a certain number of euros, (at the time of writing about 90 euros) you can be refunded the VAT on departure. Not all stores have a VAT refund scheme, so look for the Tax Free Shopping badge at the entrance to buy products that cost a little money. Remember to bring a completed and stamped form and receipt.

Eating in Valencia

Valencia’s residents are immensely proud to be home to Spain’s most famous dish, paella. If you haven’t tasted it before, Valencia defined by AbbreviationFinder is the right place to debut. And if you have, find out here how it should really taste.

Please note that paella is really a lunch dish in the Valencian region. Many restaurants do not serve paella as dinner in the evenings. And if they do, there are often heated remnants from earlier in the day.

The word paella is valentian for frying pan, and tells a little about how this dish is cooked. It is based around meat or fish, cooked in a pan with vegetables, added rice, olive oil and saffron. And the dish “shall” be cooked with a wood stove, and not with electricity or gas.

Paella is traditionally eaten on Sundays and cooked in large quantities in connection with festivals. If you want to try making paella yourself, you can find a recipe in English here.

In general about eating in Valencia

Remember that in Spain people eat dinner late at night. Lunches are often between 1400 and 1600, which is why dinner is usually served as late as between 2100 and midnight, and many of the restaurants do not open until the evening before 1900 or 2000. However, the most touristy areas open for dinner earlier, when the travelers often have different dining habits than the locals in Valencia.

You will find several good eateries in the pedestrian streets around Passeig Russafa just north of the train station and bullfight stadium, around Plaza de la Reina, Plaza de la Virgen and in Calle Caballeros.

Some select restaurants in Valencia

If you want to try a better dinner in slightly surreal and beautiful surroundings, try the submarine restaurant Submarino on Oceanographic, where the fish swim around you while eating their relatives. It is far from cheap, but it is an experience you will remember.

Submarino is open every day of the week and offers both lunch and dinner. NB! Dinner is served between 2100 and 2230.

As a contrast to Submarino, it is cheap to dine at one of Valencia’s oldest dining establishments, Bodega Casa Montaña dating back to 1836. It is located on Calle Josè Bennliure 69 street in the harbor quarter of Cabanyal east of the city center, and serves fabulous tapas at prices you get in a good mood in an atmospheric room.

The opening hours of Bodega Casa Montaña are 1300 to 1600 for lunch and 1930 to 2330 for dinner. The restaurant is open every day of the week.

La Riuà
Few restaurants offer as rustic charm as La Riuà in Valencia. Also, the food is high quality. The family-run La Riuà restaurant is constantly winning awards as the best paella restaurant and offers well over ten different versions of the dish.

The address of La Riuà is Carrer del Mar, 27 in the historic center of Valencia. Opening hours are 1400 to 1615 for lunch and 2100 to 2300 for dinner. La Riuà is closed Mondays.

Special tips for lunch in Valencia

La Pepica
A beach visit is always tempting, and a trip to Playa la Malvarrosa should and should be combined with paella at La Pepica.

If you are lucky enough to get a seat at the famous La Pepica, you will have the opportunity, in addition to the Mediterranean views, to eat delicious seafood palais or the vegetarian variety. Here at La Pepica, Ernest Hemingway himself has spent days and evenings. The address is Paseo Neptuno 6. Opening hours are 1300 – 1530 for lunch 2030 – 2200 for dinner, seven days a week.

Nightlife in Valencia

To sample Valencia nightlife and local beverages, head to Barrio del Carmen. Here you will find everything from fashionable designer bars to punk clubs. In the streets of Calle Quart and Calle Caballeros, which go west from Plaza de la Reina, the vast majority will find a place they enjoy. The most popular beers at the bars, and the most common brands are San Miguel and Cruzcampo. Wine is consumed for almost every meal, but the Valencia region is by no means among Spain’s foremost wine producers.

Shopping and Eating in Tokyo, Japan

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the country of Japan.

Shopping in Tokyo

Shoppers can head to the Akibahara district, a neon-lit futuristic-looking area that is first and foremost worth visiting for its many electronics stores with a particularly good selection of the latest screams of all kinds of electronic dupe dits. (It is worth noting that the Japanese VAT is deducted at the spot, so you usually do not need to fill out a refund form upon departure. However, the passport must be brought with purchases over 10,000 yen, about $ 500.)

So bring Shinjuku, where you can see classic Japan. There are large parks with Shinto temples and botanical gardens, and close by are shopping areas and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building with a free and beautiful view, where you can see Fuji Mountain during the day. (Unless the smog is too dense, and it often does.) The view in the evening, however, is even more impressive.

Eating in Tokyo

Japanese food is more than sushi! It is a dream to eat food in Tokyo defined by AbbreviationFinder. But an expensive dream. There are so many good restaurants that you can hardly imagine. That is not to say too much when we say that Tokyo is the world’s new gourmet capital. And it is more than the food that makes us tourists open their eyes and mouths. Unknown kitchen utensils look both exotic, exciting and elegant. Be it bottles and jars for oil, sauce, drinks (e.g. sake) or baskets, knives or rice barrels.

It is very expensive with meat in Japan. So in Tokyo, the capital of Japan described on Countryaah. That’s why a lot goes on in fish, vegetables, rice and noodles. If you want something other than fish, then eat chicken, preferably at an Indian restaurant. Otherwise, there is a noodle shapper on every other street corner.

The problem for first-time tourists is that much of the food looks unknown. And you don’t necessarily understand that much of the posters and information at the restaurant either. What you will notice is that many of the restaurants specialize in a type of taste or special dishes. Of course, in such a large city as Tokyo, there are many restaurants that cater to Western cuisine, such as Italian, French, German and so on. And of course you will find Chinese restaurants here like anywhere else in the world. However, try Japanese food, so know that some of the most common and widely available specialties are:

Sushi restaurants and Sashimi restaurants offer rice and raw fish. These are dishes we think most people have now come to know from their own homeland. Sushi restaurants have taken the world by storm in recent years.

Bento is the name of lunch bars that give you cheap and easy food in a box. The variety in dishes is great and you will surely find something you like

Tempura restaurants are restaurants that offer deep-fried dishes. The food is meat, fish and vegetables. If you order teishoku, you get the special of the day.

Fugu restaurants are for you with special food interest and / or strong nerves. Fugu is perhaps the most dangerous dish in the world, since improper cooking can result in the death of the person eating the fish. Only very special Fugu chefs are allowed to prepare their food. Some of the most accomplished chefs allow the dish to include a very small portion of the poison, so you as a guest feel a tingling on the tongue!

Curry restaurants with ancestry from India can be found in Tokyo. Here you come for strong meat dishes and vegetable dishes, without us in any way saying it’s as spicy here as in the country of origin.

Drinking in Tokyo
Most Japanese people are far from abstinent people, and are they drinking more than you might expect? There is plenty of beer to drink, as well as the ubiquitous glass of sake. Sake is considered to be the rewriting of spirits, and is found in a myriad of variants. Japanese beer is very good and you do not have to replace these with well known beer brands from Europe if you do not absolutely have a Guinness then.

We also recommend that you taste an Awamori which is a rice liquor that differs from traditional sake.

A little fun additional information is that you will find a solid selection of sports drinks in Japan. And relax, you don’t have to work out to taste a taste of these. Find your favorite! And you also have to taste Japanese tea, green of course. You get it at all restaurants.

Restaurant
Areas Daikanyama is the area where you will find the hippest cafe culture in Tokyo. You can easily get here by taking the train from Shibuya. Specifically, one stop.

The Tsukiji Fish Market Tsukiji
is probably the closest a sushi mecca a human can come. The location is not far from Ginza. Here is more than fish, including vegetables, fruits and meat. This is a place you just have to visit. The tuna auction starts before 6:00 in the morning. So show up early if you want to have it with you.

Odaiba
So visit Odaiba. Odaiba is located on Tokyo Bay and is a “new” area southwest of Tokyo where shopping and food are on the agenda.

Shopping and Eating in Thessaloniki, Greece

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Thessaloniki is one of the largest cities in the country of Greece.

Shopping in Thessaloniki

Of course, Thessaloníki defined by AbbreviationFinder is not like Milan or Paris, but the city is by no means a bad resort for those who like to shop. And in many ways it feels more shopping-like here than in the bigger fashion cities.

Fashion clothes and other trendy items are purchased at Proxenou Koromila, Mitropoleos and Tsimiski. Along the Tsimiski Street you will find shops such as Zara and Marks & Spencers. Here you will also find the city’s most famous jewelry store, Mil – Or in number 24.

For affordable clothing then go to Egnatia Street. If you are looking for food then the place is still the Modiano Market. At one time the market was owned by a wealthy Jewish family, ie the Modiana family. At that time it was mainly meat sold here, and the Modiano market was the city’s only food market. Today it is no longer so. The market is a multitude of goods, and you can buy fish, fresh olives and much more.

Otherwise, the streets of Venizelou, Ermou and Mitropoleo are good shopping streets. And not least Agias Sofias who also offers cozy breaks for a cappuccino or similar.

Mega Outlet is the name of – yes, precisely – a mega outlet store. You will find it south of Kalamaria, towards the airport, about 3 km outside the center of Thessaloniki. Here you will find a number of well-known brands with up to 50% discount spread over 15000 square meters of shops.

Puma also has a mega outlet store in the center of Thessaloniki. You will find the shop between the major streets of Aiou Dimitriou and Egnatias.

Mediterranean Cosmos

Mediterranean Cosmos [see image first in article] opened in October 2005 and at that time went on to be the largest center in southeastern Europe. And of course there is more than shopping on the poster. Here are coffee houses, restaurants, bars, a church (Greek Orthodox as such), amphitheater and multiplex cinema!

The center is 5 kilometers from Thessaloniki International Airport, not far from the suburb of Kalamaria.

In general about shopping in Thessaloniki

The stores are normally open Tuesdays and Thursdays (and some Fridays) from about 0900 to 2000. And Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 0900 to 1500. Larger centers and department stores have extended opening hours.

Remember that if you have to in the bank then they normally close early, ie at 1400 week through.

What is cheap to buy are usually leather products, jewelry made by local artisans and antiques. Some markets have cheap clothes and shoes, and sometimes you will also be able to make good purchases at the well-known brand stores.

Eating in Thessaloniki

Greek cuisine is starting to become reasonably familiar to most of us, since Greek tavernas are practically found in every small town in Norway. But for those unfamiliar with it, prepare for lots of delicious seafood, delicious dressings and top quality vegetables. And not least grilled meats of all kinds.

In Thessaloniki has naturally also influences from Macedonia, and besides, the city influenced by Asian cuisine.

Octopus, grilled sardines and other deep-fried seafood are available at all tavernas. For food you drink water, wine and ouzo. In Greece you have a good time at the dining table, and the main meal is a social celebration for everyone who participates.

Ladadika, the old Jewish quarter down by the harbor area and the Leof road. Nikis is an area of Thessaloniki where you will find a whole slew of local food restaurants. And bars and clubs. So here you can be all evening. Along with the said Leof. Nikis and its parallel street offer countless opportunities to make the evening a success.

If you go to Ana Poli and on to the Greek Orthodox Church of David, you will be by the Byzantine walls. There are also several nice restaurants and many overlooking Thessaloniki. A good restaurant is the Wall Wall restaurant or Τοίχο Τοίχο. It is located in the street Stergiou Poliderou No. 1, not far from Alysseos Tower. Wall Wall is open throughout the week from 0900 to 0300. An unpaved Mediterranean restaurant with good prices and good feedback.

Manitari Magiko Bit Bazaar is an eatery with soul and atmosphere. Often live music and a good selection of drinks for the food, both ouzo and tzipouro. The address is Prosfigikis Agoras 32-34 at the Venizelou – Olympou and Tositsa arcades.

And the area around Venizelou and Olympou and Tositsa (with the Tositsa arcades) is well stocked with restaurants, cafes and bars. Also, it is just off the Roman Forum and its associated museum.

Several selected dining options in Thessaloniki

Kitchen Ba r is a combination of restaurant and bar, located in the port area of Thessaloniki. The outdoor area of the Kitchen Bar offers sea views, and inside the restaurant you get an attempt to recreate a genuine feeling of being in a dock.

Kitchen Bar is the place for a casual meal with e.g. hamburger, pasta or simple barbecue. Affordable and nice. The Kitchen Bar is located right next to the contemporary museum at the far end of the pier, in the street Navarchou Votsi. Kitchen Bar is open from 0900 to 0200.

Skyline Bar
If you’re not too excited about the bill, head to the Skyline Bar in the OTE Tower (formerly ‘Purgos Ute’) and the city’s best views. The restaurant rotates 360 degrees to give you a panoramic view of Thessaloniki from all directions during one and a half coffee cups. The address is Egnatia 154. The place is open from 1000 to over midnight throughout the week.

Feel free to visit an ouzeri, also to eat. Perhaps the best is by Aristotelus square and is called Odos Aristotelous. The address is Aristotelous No. 20. You can also try some of the Croatian restaurants, but replace ouzo with raki when you are at one of these.

Of course, there are also restaurants with an international menu, but most of them hold maximum quality, and often cost more than it tastes.

Some specialties in Thessaloniki

A good and special salad is the politki which consists of shredded cabbage and jam. Otherwise, Greeks in general, and people in Thessaloniki in particular, are very fond of sweets. You will find cakes and sweets all over the city. Definitely worth tasting some local specialties.

For snacks or a delicious unhealthy snack, eat a Bugatsa pie. [see picture first in article] Available with different fill, so find your special favorite.

Nightlife in Thessaloniki

If we talk about nightlife it is almost not dangerous where you go, because in Thessaloniki there are bars and clubs everywhere.

The harbor promenade and the large town square Aristotelous are two very popular places. Let us also propose the Ladadiki district and for that matter the pedestrian street Iktinou.

Shopping and Eating in Tenerife, Spain

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Tenerife is one of the largest cities in the country of Spain.

Shopping in Tenerife

The Canary Islands are practically a duty-free area, and an absence, or a sharp reduction in VAT and other taxes, often means that you find goods significantly cheaper at Tenerife than at home in Norway. This applies not least to products such as alcohol and tobacco, as well as perfume and other “luxury products”. You do not bargain on Tenerife prices, except if you are in special markets. Street sales are not allowed and we advise you to stay away from this trade. And of course you have no right to complain if you still buy something on the street, and you find something wrong with the product afterwards.

The general opening hours are from 1000 to 1330 and from 1700 to 2000. The break is due to a siesta that most still hold. However, many stores are open until late in the evening, so at 2000, there should be no last bar to shopping.

Popular to shop on Tenerife

Some of the most popular things to do on Tenerife defined by AbbreviationFinder are video and digital cameras, mobile phones and video games. Electronics are very affordable. But be critical of the stores that offer these products. Not a few people have come home with a “Casio” instead of a “Casio”. If you have been deceived and you have been shopping in a store and not on the street, contact the organization OMIC which has its offices at Centro Culturel in Los Christianos. This is a consumer organization that protects consumer rights. Remember the receipt and the product.

Specialties in Tenerife
The pearls in Tenerife are both well known and recognized. Take a trip to Armenime south of the island, specifically Ctra. General del Sur, where thousands of square meters are dedicated pearls and pearl jewelry. Armenime is open seven days a week, starting at 0900. Free admission. If you are staying at Costa Adeje, Las Americas, Los Cristianos, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, Playa Arena, Puerto Santiago or Los Gigantes, you can get a free shuttle to Armenime and Tenerife Pearl.

In general about shopping in Tenerife

All the major tourist resorts south of Tenerife have centers and shopping areas where you get plenty of opportunities to let your credit card run smoothly. If you do not want to shop in the tourist area you live yourself, you usually go to the center of Los Cristianos. The pedestrian streets of Los Cristianos have many quaint shops, just remember the siesta in the middle of the day when many of them are closed. Compared to prices we are used to from home you can really find some price bargains on clothes, if that’s what you want to shop on Tenerife. The stores Mango and Zara are popular and with good prices compared to similar stores in e.g. Norway. You will find a Mango store in San Eugenio and one in Playa de las Americas, just off the Metropolis nightclub, where there are many other clothing stores as well. Zara has several shops around the island.

The capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife probably offers the best shopping in Tenerife. You will find most shops concentrated around the streets of Villalba Hervás, El Castillo, Doctor Allart, Bethencourt Alfonso and San José, and in and around Plaza de España and Plaza de la Candelaria. Santa Cruz is also the hometown of the well-known
African market, (read more about this in the article below), and this is where you will find the El Corte Inglés department store. Most specialty shops in Santa Cruz follow the tradition of siesta, while the major centers are open all day.

Tenerife Charter Airport, Reina Sofia airport, has duty-free shops, but the prices here are no lower than what you pay in the Santa Cruz store. On the other hand, shopping at the airport is safer, and expensive perfume we would certainly have chosen to buy at the airport, thus avoiding a bad surprise at home when using the new perfume for the first time.

A selection of shopping centers in Tenerife

Centro Comercial Plaza del Duque
Centro Comercial Plaza del Duque is located south of Tenerife, at Playa de Fanabe, and has about 40 stores selling exclusive fashion brands. Both Spanish and international brands. This center is also excellent for those looking for a better dinner. The restaurants Bliss and Catavinos are located here.

El Corte Inglés
El Corte Inglés is an institution in Spain, and the magazine of Tenerife can be found in the capital of Tenerife, more specifically in the street Avenida de Tres de Mayo. Here you shop shoes, perfume, clothing, accessories, music and much more.

Carrefour Tenerife
Want to visit a hypermarket? Then you have the chance at this great Carrefour center, located about 6 km from Santa Cruz, at the Autopista del Sur. This center was formerly called Continente Centro Commercial and there are about 150 stores, in addition to the aforementioned large hypermarket. Open Monday through Saturday from 1000 to 2200.

Center Gran Sur
Shopping Center Center Gran Sur has quickly become a popular place for tourists. Not only can you buy all kinds of goods here, but you can also eat good food, go to the movies, some of the movies are not dubbed in Spanish! The center is open from 1000 to 2200, while the cinema is open until midnight. Even on Sundays the shops are open. You will find the center at the Fanabe, more specifically on the TF-1 motorway.

Centor Comercial Parque Santiago
Parque Santiago, 3 at Playa de las Américas, (38660, Adeje) is a tourist resort with a huge shopping mall with more than 150 stores. The center has a wide variety of types of products and suppliers, and you will find different price variations.

Alcampo la Villa Shopping Center (Centro Comercial Alcampo)
This giant shopping center is located in La Laguna, not far from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. In addition to a number of regular stores, you will also find various outlet stores at Alcampo where you can buy designer clothes for a reasonable amount of money. The address is San Cristóbal de la Laguna and opening hours are 0900 to 2200.

Markets in Tenerife

In local markets it is okay to bargain. Torviscas The market (Saturdays) and the market in Los Christianos (Sundays) are the largest markets south of Tenerife. They are touristy, but they are still worth a visit. Here are lots of sales stalls and also often fashion shows and similar entertainment.

Golf Del Sur Market (Friday morning)
This is one of the newest markets in Tenerife and is popular, perhaps most because of its location at the new marina. The market is much smaller than eg. Sunday market in Los Cristianos.

Los Abrigos Night Market (Tuesdays)
This small market is held in the square in front of the church in Los Abrigos every Tuesday night. It’s not that big, but nice enough, at least if you plan to combine your visit with a late dinner at one of the many restaurants in Los Abrigos.

Sunday market in Guaza
If you love old books and used clothes, CDs, DVDs and the like, then you go to Guaza and the market which is open on the first Sunday of each month. Here you may be able to find exactly the one you have been looking for for a long time!

The African Market in Santa Cruz
The famous Mercado Nuestra Senora de Africa is a local Canary Island market that functions as a bazaar with more than 300 sales stalls selling most, especially local vegetables and fruits. The market is a short walk from the Santa Cruz bus station. Look for a pink bell tower and show up early for the best items! Usually open all days from 0600, but best Sunday morning! In the African market you can buy flowers, fruits, vegetables, cheese, fish, meat, spices and herbs.

Eating on Tenerife

One of the most fun things about traveling is experiencing the local food. In any case, most people think so. But you can, if you like, eat Norwegian meat cakes, burgers and tacos in Tenerife. This is easy to get at, on and around the biggest tourist hotels for Scandinavian (and British) charter tourists.

In any case, we think you should try more than the tourist traps and tourist bars, and eat your dinners at one of the many “proper” restaurants in Tenerife. Most of the island’s restaurants serve Spanish cuisine, and of course you will find countless tapas bars.

Tapas favorites in Tenerife:

Boquerones (small filleted fish)
Camembert frito (fried camembert cheese)
Chipirones (small octopus, oiled and fried in pan on hot plate)
Chopitos Fritos (squid snacks)
Croquetas (bread, mixed with potato and / or fish)
Empanadas (pie stuffed with tuna and tomato)

In general about food in Tenerife

The local food in the Canary Islands is not at all an unusual diet for most of us. Here, most grilled meats are eaten, such as pork, lamb, chicken or cattle. But the location naturally indicates that fish are also popular, often served to salty fried potatoes, (papas arrugadas).

Why not take the trip away from the bathing destination where you live, e.g. Playa de las Americas, and rather visit an island’s quaint little towns for good food and pleasant nightlife?

Eating in Puerto de la Cruz

There are probably 300 restaurants in Puerto de la Cruz, and it is wonderful to wander around and look for a suitable eatery. New restaurants are opening continuously so it’s hard to say where and what to eat.

But anyway, head east to the Plaza del Charco main square, along Calle San Felipe, to get to the city’s old fishing district, better known as La Rinalla. This is the heart of the restaurant district. The restaurants around the cobbled streets are a find for anyone who knows how to enjoy food and city life. Here you will find your restaurant, whether you prefer vegetarian, Mediterranean, classic Spanish cuisine, seafood, traditional Canary food or Italian restaurants.

Perhaps the best part is that the prices are still very nice for us tourists. We suggest the following specials for a successful dinner: Conejo en salmorejo (rabbit stew), gambas a la plancha (grilled shrimp) or cherne con papas arrugadas y mojo (a kind of sea bass with boiled potatoes and “spicy” sauce).

Two selected restaurants in Puerto de la Cruz

Casa Pache

Simply a lovely restaurant in the heart of Ranilla district. Charming rooms consisting of small rooms each with their own style. Creative chefs bring you delicious Spanish food. Also a plus for lots of delicious wine and tapas specialties. The address is Calle de la Verdad 6.

La Clave – Tapas Y Pintxos

A slightly trendy tapas restaurant, not unlike the ones you find in Barri Gotic in Barcelona. The address is Calle Puerto Viejo, 18.

Eating in Santa Cruz on Tenerife

When in Santa Cruz, head towards the gray stone tower at Iglesia de la Concepción to get to the lively Old Quarter of the Noria district. Here you will find a number of exciting and good restaurants, not least in the trendy Calle Antonio Dominguez Alfonso street.

One recommended restaurant is Bulán, which offers the best of Middle Eastern cuisine. The address of Bulán is Calle Antonio Dominguez Alfonso, 35. Another alternative is the Catalan restaurant El Porron Tasca.

If you are looking for tapas bars, visit Calle Imeldo Seris Street for a selection of ‘ montaditos ‘ (small pieces of toast with various accessories) and a tortilla Español. You will also find good tapas bars along the Parque García Sanabria and Calle Dr José Naveíras Street. And then you can have a romantic walk in the park after dinner.

Eating in Los Cristianos

There are of course several good restaurants in Los Cristianos as well. If you want to eat something Spanish, namely paella, then we suggest Raymond 1, in the street Calle General Franco, not far from Hotel Andreas. Reasonable prices and good paella make this a good choice.

Nightlife on Tenerife and Santa Cruz

The Noria district is the center for nightlife in Santa Cruz. You will find a variety of bars and pubs offering everything from rock to jazz. Saturday and Sunday are the most important nightlife here. Do you still have the power when the bars close at 0300, so know that there are clubs that keep going until the shops open.

In general about food and restaurants in Tenerife

Drink is not normally included in the bill. Does IGIC know so well that this is the Canary Islands ‘VAT’ which should be 5% (at the time of writing). You do not need to drink if you are not satisfied or if you only take a sandwich. Otherwise, we suggest you give about 10% for restaurant visits. Lunch is served around 1400 if not siesta, which is still common in Tenerife. Adults tend to have dinner at approximately 2100.

Shopping and Eating in Tampere, Finland

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Tampere is one of the largest cities in the country of Finland.

Shopping in Tampere

You probably do not travel to Tampere in Finland solely for the sake of shopping. Then you would probably have chosen Milan, London or Paris. But on a Nordic scale, Tampere is not a bad city for shopping. Some shops are open every day of the week. But both opening hours and opening days vary from one store to another, so check out more closely.

On national holidays, almost all shops are closed, with the exception of a few small kiosks.

You will find most department stores and specialty stores if you stay along or near the main street Hämeenkatu. Here’s the bustling crowds, and there are also plenty of night spots where you can cool off, or warm up, depending on the season and temperature of Tampere defined by AbbreviationFinder.

Alcohol stronger than 4.7% and not served at the bar is bought at the wine monopoly just like in Norway. But in Finland the wine monopoly is called “Alko”. You can find e.g. one of these at the hypermarket Prisma Laelva. Beer can only be purchased in stores between 0900 and 2100.

Department stores and shopping centers in Tampere

There are some really great department stores in Tampere. The three dominant ones are:

Stockmann with street address Hämeenkatu 4. Stockmann is known worldwide for its quality products.
Sokos is another giant department store. The location is in the main street, just beyond Stockmann, more specifically Hämeenkatu 21
Anttila is also a very large department store. You can find Anttila in Puutarhakatu 10.

Tampere also has some really good shopping centers. The very best is probably called Ideapark and is located about 12 kilometers south of the city. Of course, buses run directly from the center to this solid shopping center.

If you want to stay in the city center we suggest instead Koskikeskus in the street Hatanpään valtatie 1 or Tullintori just off the railway station in the street Tullikatu 6.

Markets in Tampere:

When you visit Tampere you must also visit some of the many markets. Probably the most well-known is Tampereen Kauppahalli or the “Market Hall” in Tampere, which goes on to be the largest market in the Nordic region. Built as early as 1902. The address is Hämeenkatu 19 / Hallituskatu 10. Open Monday to Friday from 0800 to 1800. Saturdays it is open from 0800 to 1500.

Also visit the market held on the Keskustori square on the first Monday of each month. Open from 0600 to 1800. Here is also the Christmas market in December.

Also remember to visit a real hypermarket, ie a super gigantic supermarket. We suggest Prisma Kaleva in the street Sammonkatu 75.

Eating in Tampere

There are plenty of eateries in Tampere, we can at least mention a few hundred options for you. So there’s plenty to choose from. And the choices range from fast food to gourmet, from Finnish home cooking to international menus. Many of the eateries, and nightlife in general, can be found in and around the main street Hämeenkatu. The price level is nice with eyes from Norway.

If you need something small to eat in the middle of the day, know that Tampere has a place that sells world-famous donuts. You buy these in the Pyynikin Nakotornin Kahvila café by the observation tower in the Pyynikki Park, (read more about this under Tampere attractions). Alternatively, visit the tiny cozy café Vohvelikahvila. Here you will get absolutely delicious waffles. Vohvelikahvila is located in Ojakatu 2 street which is also really cozy.

For hot dishes, we suggest the following restaurants:

Do all cities with respect for themselves have an Italian restaurant called Pizzeria Napoli ? Our experience is that these are often of high quality, but in Tampere it is usually good. Fair prices and nice quality, in a casual atmosphere. Great as a lunch restaurant too. The address is Aleksanterinkatu 31.

If you love peppers, the place is Bodega Salud. Of course, they have other dishes too, and the food usually tastes absolutely delicious here. It is mostly meat lovers who make the trip here. Some even say that Bodega Salud is Tamperes very best restaurant. It costs, but that’s how it is now when you want quality. The address is Tuomiokirkonkatu 19.

Tuulensuu is the name of a so-called gastropub, ie a pub that has a large selection of beers and also offers good quality food! Not a stupid concept at all, and here at Tuulensuu in the street Hameenpuisto 23 you get the most. The beer selection is substantial and we must also mention the “honey wine” Sima. And everyone finds something good to eat here. Great place to stop by with your flock of friends!

Special restaurant in Tampere !
Whether you are traveling with children or planning a romantic evening with your loved ones, Restaurant Näsinneula will be the place to be. This rotating restaurant is 124 meters above ground level and is by far the highest point for dinner in Finland. Of course, the Näsinneula restaurant offers fantastic views. And the added plus is when the food also holds high quality. The round trip takes 45 minutes. Then maybe it’s time for a drink? The address is Laiturikatu 1, in the very north of the city center.

In general about food and pub in Tampere!

Several of the city’s more expensive restaurants offer Finnish specialties. For those of you traveling on budget and who want to combine food and nightlife, know that there are plenty of Irish and English pubs in Tampere. Nice atmosphere, reasonably priced food and plenty of drinks!

Shopping and Eating in Tallinn, Estonia

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Tallinn is one of the largest cities in the country of Estonia.

Shopping in Tallinn

Shopping in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia described on Countryaah is for many a delight. A little humorous it is said that for every new store or shopping center that is established, there is an old one that expands and renews. It is still cheap in Tallinn and you will find a nice combination of goods from the east and west.

When it comes to shopping in Tallinn, many will be looking for craft products. You will find plenty of good quality glass and leather, as well as countless quantities of Soviet-era souvenirs. There are several outdoor markets that specialize in this type of product.

If you want to be sure that the craft products are of good quality, then it is better to buy them in special stores in the old town, and not in the cheaper outdoor markets. We suggest the area around Katariina Käik street for this type of product.

Beverages in Tallinn

Many people consider the possibility of buying cheap Russian champagne when in Tallinn defined by AbbreviationFinder. Russian champagne is of high quality and usually costs only 50 kroner per bottle. Also try Vana Tallinn, the city’s favorite liqueur. Specialty alcohol stores can be found in several downtown locations.

Shopping centers in Tallinn

There are many major shopping centers in Tallinn. Most malls offer a combination of well-known fashion brands in addition to local products. The malls are scattered around Tallinn and you have to go outside the old town to visit the best ones. Here is a selection of good shopping malls and department stores:

Stockmann
Stockmann, Finland’s most renowned department store, has a large center in Tallinn. The address is Liivalaia 53. Stockmann has good quality clothing, cosmetics, shoes, bags and leather goods, electronics and much more.

Viru Center The
Viru Center, located in the street Viru vålakak 4/6, is new and trendy. This large center has everything from shops and famous brands as well as a number of fast food restaurants and cafes. You can find maps for the shopping center on their website.

Tallinna Kaubamaja
Perhaps the most interesting shopping center in Tallinn is Tallinna Kaubamaja (Gonsiori street 2). Tallinna Kaubamaja used to be a typical Soviet department store, but it still stays in the competition for newer and more fashionable centers. This center is just off the Viru Center, so you will have no trouble visiting both.

Markets in Tallinn

Visit Keskturg on the street Keldrimäe 9. This is a traditional square hall where everything from berries to meat is sold. You also buy cheap clothes and souvenirs in this market. The market is open until 10 p.m. 1600 every day, except Sundays, when it closes at. 1300.

Eating in Tallinn

Most likely you will eat at a restaurant in the city center or in the old town, but remember that there are good and exciting alternatives also a little off the beaten track. And here it is often even more affordable. The Estonian cuisine is naturally inspired by Russia and Germany. Meat, potatoes, simple vegetables and beer are important ingredients in local food. Large portions and reasonable prices are other characteristics.

If this doesn’t tempt you, then you should know that Tallinn has a great variety of restaurants. You will find Italian, Chinese, Greek, Indian and Thai restaurants, as well as all the famous fast food chains found in modern metropolitan cities around the world.

Saturdays and Sundays it can be difficult to get dining at the most famous restaurants, so reserve tables earlier in the day. Prices are significantly lower than in Norway, at least if you compare restaurants of the same type of quality. Our advice is to treat yourself to at least one visit to one of Tallinn’s better restaurants for a good meal and a pleasant evening.

Restaurant tips in Tallinn,

Cold Nosu Kõrts

For local food we suggest the restaurant Kuldse Nosu Kõrts, which is located in the old town, more specifically in the street Dunkri 8. The restaurant is also called “The little piggy inn”. You will find a charming and relaxed environment in this restaurant which serves good local food. The restaurant is run by Schlossle Hotels.

Buon Giorno

Italian cuisine is often the favorite choice for the whole family. A good rule of thumb is to see where the Italians eat themselves, and it’s often at the Buon Giorno restaurant, located on Müürivahe 17 street.

This is a so-called spagetia. The restaurant is informal and popular. Get ready for Italian TV, homemade pasta and the best coffee. For table bookings call 640-6858. Buon Giorno is open from 1100 to 2200 every day of the week.

Pizza Americana

A good pizza restaurant is Pizza Americana. The address is Müürivahe 2, not far from Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Opening hours from 1130 to 2230 every day of the week.

Special restaurants in Tallinn,

Brick house

The address of this restaurant with the somewhat special name is Pühavaimu 13/15. It is located in the Schlössle Hotel; phone 699-7780.

Stone house has it all! From luxurious cutlery and lighting on the tables to premium dishes and excellent wine. Stenhus is one of Tallinn’s very best restaurants.

Olde Hansa

Olde Hansa is located at Vana turg 1 [see picture above] and has phone 627-9020 for reservation. The restaurant is normally open from 10am. 1100 to 2400. This is one of the best-preserved medieval restaurants in the entire Baltic.

The building, candles, the restaurant’s benches and chairs as well as the background music all have an authentic medieval style. The food is excellent and it comes with a historical explanation for all dishes. Beer and snaps served as drinks are also authentic medieval.

Shopping and Eating in Szczecin, Poland

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Szczecin is one of the largest cities in the country of Poland.

Shopping in Szczecin

We do not joke when we say that shopping in Szczecin is good. Of course, it’s not like London, Paris or Milan, nor Berlin, a city that is no further away than being able to get back and forth on a day trip. But you should have dark color on the shopping belt if you leave from Szczecin unhappy.

Shopping in Szczecin is enjoyable for your wallet. The prices are a great deal cheaper than you are used to at home, especially for handicraft products. Brands that you find in all international cities are traditionally “similar” in price, although we also find good bargains on these types of products.

Street markets in Szczecin

There are many street markets in Szczecin defined by AbbreviationFinder, and although no one is of such a character that you have to bring it with you, it can be nice enough to look at the public and maybe buy fruits, vegetables and craft products, not least amber jewelry, (amber in English).

Real amber, which is petrified resin, is at least 30 million years old, and something the region of West Pomerania is known for. Often you can see amber stones that encapsulate insects or e.g. pine needles. Such “stones” are often worth more, but remember that if you get an offer that is too good to be true, then it is often just that!

If you are afraid of being fooled by the market, then visit one of the many good jewelery shops around the Old Town.

Shopping centers in Szczecin

As everywhere in Poland, the people of Szczecin love big and beautiful shopping centers. The two best ones are probably Galeria Kaskada [see photo first in article] and Galaxy. Both are located on the “left” side of the river Oder.

Galeria Kaskada’s address is Aleja Niepodleglozci 60, just off Brama Portowa in the Old Town. The Galeria Kaskada is usually open 7 days a week from 0900 to 2100, except Sundays where it opens 1000 and closes 2000.

The galaxy has the address Aleja Wyzwolenia 18 which is about 1 kilometer just north of the Galeria Kaskada and right next to the famous Stefana Zeromskiego Park. This huge center also has cinema, bowling, restaurants and much more exciting. Opening hours from 0900 to 2100 every day, except Sundays (1000 to 2000). The supermarket has even longer opening hours than the center otherwise.

Special shopping tips in Szczecin

One tip is to buy glasses, provided you need it then. Glasses are cheap and the quality just as good as in Norway. Visit an optician in Szczecin. You don’t buy this at the street market:-)

Eating in Szczecin

Despite its proximity to Germany, Szczecin does not shame our statement that eating in Poland is cheap. And considering that the portions are usually the size of what you find in the US, it just gets even cheaper!

Szczecin offers a wide variety of dining options, and you will find a kitchen from a range of countries and not least different regions of Poland. And the local food is recommended. After World War II, people came from all over Poland and settled in and near Szczecin, creating a food tradition no longer similar to what Western Pomerania was traditionally known for.

Russian pirates in Szczecin

Szczecin is “notorious” for its many bakery sales. And you should definitely test a fried yeast baking specialty that is baked with meat or vegetables. A popular variety is with cabbage, cheese and mushrooms. Not “cowardly”. The dish is good! Crisp on the outside and soft and tasty inside. And so you recognize it, the dish is served “rolled” like a spring roll.

It is all influenced by Russia and the court can best be described as Russian pirates! To buy “Russian pasties”, take a trip to one of the “bakery outlets” in the streets of Wyszynskiego or Vojska Polskiege Aveny. This is where you will find the original outlets that have helped get these dishes on a list of protected specialty products.

Featured restaurants in Szczecin!

Chief
The perhaps best-known and respected restaurant in Szczecin is briefly named Chief, and it serves only seafood. The interior is naturally strongly influenced by the maritime. It all gives the Chief a nice folk feel. The address of the Chief is Generała Ludomiła Rayskiego 16.

Avanti
Italian restaurants are always popular, and a good choice in Szczecin is the Avanti restaurant, which, in addition to a variety of pizza varieties, offers other well-known dishes from Italy. Avanti’s address is Aleja Papieza Jana Pawla II 43. www.anvanti.szin.pl

Brama Jazz Café
Not many restaurants boast a location like the Brama Jazz Café does. You will find it “in” the royal portal from the early 18th century. In other words, you can literally sit at the table “inside” in a tourist attraction. Brama Jazz Café is a great place for a lunch or a drink break. The address of the Brama Jazz Café in Szczecin is Pl. Keep Prusklego 1.

Café 22
Maybe Café 22 is the eatery with the best view in Szczecin? The name refers to the number of floors in the Pazim building where Café 22 is located. The address is Pl. Rodła 8, ie just off the Galaxy shopping center.

Bombay
Indian food is always tasty, and Szczecin has its Indian restaurants, of course. Restaurant Bombay is India good as something and offers good quality food. The address of the Bomay restaurant in Szczecin is ul. Partyzantow 1.

Drink in Szcecin

In Poland, it goes with Vodka and beer. The beer you drink in Szczecin is called Bosman and it is sold in two variants, green and red. Green is a special version, while red is the “original”.

When it comes to vodka, the brand name is ‘ Starka ‘. It is not just people in Szczecin who claim this is the best vodka in Poland. Taste a glass and find out for yourself!

Polmos Vodka distillery

For those of you who want to become more acquainted with vodka than you get at a bar, we can recommend a visit to Polmos Vodka distillery in the street Jagiellonska nr 63/64. Here you will find stored vodka from the early 1920s and giant barrels holding 40,000 liters.

Own tours are organized which include information and tastings of some of the best distillery has to offer. Meet up for registration!

Special Tips for Szczecin: Colorado Pub!

The Colorado pub is a kind of tourist trap that you can easily be fooled into. There is live music several days a week, and the atmosphere is as cowboy-brown as the name suggests. The interior has probably been the model for most Egon branches in Norway.

Best of all, the food is not left behind for a steak house in the US. We should also not forget that the Colorado pub is open till late into the night, at least Fridays and Saturdays. The address is Wały Chrobrego 1A (www.coloradupub.pl)

Shopping and Eating in Sydney, Australia

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Sydney is one of the largest cities in the country of Australia.

Shopping in Sydney

The most archetypal Australian souvenirs you will see anywhere are kangaroo and koala characters of all sizes, boomerangs, didgeridoos and caps with caps hanging from the brakes. Yes, it is clichéd and meets all expectations or prejudices tourists have about the country. But Australians don’t mind, and tourists want to buy it, so everyone is happy.

You will also find plenty of outlets offering Aboriginal art, especially in the Sydney Harbor areas. Some of these are beautiful craftsmanship of exquisite quality, while others are scrap pieces that fall apart if you look hard at it. In other words, be careful what you buy and where you buy it. Another specialty in Sydney is opals. But again, be aware that there are many cheap impersonations on the market, so be sure to buy this from a reputable dealer.

Those looking for exclusive designer products can head for Elizabeth Street or Castlereagh Street, while others will prefer the more popular shopping and shopping centers in the Central Business District, such as Pitt Street and George Street. For example, try The Galleries Victoria or Queen Victoria Building.

In Hay Street / Thomas Street, you’ll find the Market City factory outlet, and here is Sydney’s largest and liveliest marketplace, Paddy’s, where you can buy most of affordable clothing, books, CDs and LPs, fruits and vegetables, flowers, birds and fish.

General information
Most of the shops in Sydney defined by AbbreviationFinder are open from 10am. 0900 to 1730 on weekdays, with long hours open until 10am. 2000 or later on Thursdays. Saturdays close some earlier. Sundays are mostly closed everywhere. Don’t forget that you pay 10% VAT and on all purchases over $ 300, or approx. 1450 NOK, you can get a refund of VAT on departure. Not every business practices this scheme, so look for the Tax Free Shopping badge at the entrance if you are going to buy some more expensive items and bring a completed and stamped form and receipt.

Eating in Sydney

Traditionally, Melbourne has been considered Australia’s culinary capital, but in recent years both the quality and quantity of Sydney’s restaurants has increased dramatically. The best eateries usually serve French, Italian or Asian cuisine, but you will also find all possible nationalities represented in the diversity. Mexican, Persian, South African, Chinese and Swiss restaurants are available, as well as all the fast food chains and American specialties such as TGI Fridays and Hard Rock Cafe.

It is difficult to give examples of typical Australian food, since most Australians are from a different place and have brought the food culture from their roots, but barbecues are strong across the continent. Most parties and social gatherings at one time or another include the ritual grilling of juicy steaks. Almost all parks have large gas grills, where you can get gas for a cheap money, and the grilling of most Australian animal species starts. Kangaroo, camel, crocodile, rabbit or emu, everything has to be grilled and gnawed at the Great Aussie Barbeque.

Fortunately for vegetarians, there is almost always an offer for them as well. There are several clean vegetarian restaurants in Sydney, and most eateries have vegetarian dishes on the menu. You can check recommended vegetarian eating places on the website of the Australian Vegetarian Association.

You will find many nice restaurants in the old town of The Rocks, and especially the seafood restaurants are of high quality in Sydney. It’s also a very special experience to have dinner 250 meters above ground level in Sydney Tower while the restaurant slowly rotates 360 degrees.

Wine and beer in Australia
Australian wines have in a short time gained a solid popularity around the world, and wines such as Lindemans and Jacob’s Creek are among the top sellers in Scandinavia and Australians are also very loyal and patriotic towards their beer, and they bright arrow marks Fosters and Castlemaine XXXX are sold worldwide, also in Norway, can be ordered via the vinmonoploet if your local store does not have it in their range. In the Sydney area, the local beer Tooheys is the strongest among the locals.

A strange phenomenon seen with Norwegian eyes is that restaurants that do not have a license to serve alcohol are happy to advertise with BYO (Bring Your Own). You can then bring your own beer or wine and pay a small symbolic sum to the restaurant for the use of glasses and openers.

Shopping and Eating in Stockholm, Sweden

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Stockholm is one of the largest cities in the country of Sweden.

Shopping in Stockholm

There are thousands of shops in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden described on Countryaah and the city is perhaps the best place to do public sports shopping throughout the Nordic region? Stockholm has a large number of great shopping arcades, shopping malls and department stores. There is international “swing” over the offer to shoppers in Stockholm defined by AbbreviationFinder!

Exclusive fashion and design are traded in Norrmalm, City or Östermalm. Here you will find shopping arcades such as Sturegallerian and department stores such as NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Pub [see picture first in article] and Åhléns. These are all very well known and good department stores. You will also find the flagship of H&M on Hamngatan. To make it easy for yourself, go or take a taxi Sergels Torg. Then you have all this within a short reach.

If you are looking for antiques of the more expensive kind, you will find them at Östermalm. Many tourists naturally go to the Old Town. Here there are many charming shops with antiques, souvenirs and not least second hand shops and shops with all kinds of rarities. Another area with affordable antiques is Vasastan. Vasastan is also the place for music and clothing.

For the trendiest, Södermalm is recommended. Check out the shops in Gøtgatsbacken and Brunogallerian, which is a shopping gallery. Here you will also find a street market – Street. It’s open on weekends.

Some other selected stores in Stockholm are:

Ahlens in Klarabergsgatan 50.
Here you will find everything from books, food, cosmetics and clothing.

Nitty Gritty in Krukmakargatan.
This is a lifestyle store for you with the sense of the little something special. The street also has many other good shops.

The south halls on Medborgarplatsen.
For those who like food and delicacies. Here you get everything, not least from Italy and Asia.

118 Second Leather in Odengatan 86.
Everything in second hand clothes.

Science Fiction Bookstore in Västerlånggatan 48.
Wide range of everything within the science fiction genre. Go in and you might be bitten by the basil you too?

We recommend the Destination Stockholm website for more detailed information on shopping in Stockholm. See also our link page for more about shopping in Stockholm.

Eating in Stockholm

Over the last 15-20 years, Stockholm’s restaurant world has evolved to be really good. You will find eateries in all price ranges and throughout the city. All the world’s cuisine is represented, from the natural Swedish to the most exotic you can imagine. Stockholm has several restaurants represented in Guide Michelin, which is remarkable for a city with less than one million residents.

For those of you who want affordable options, we can tell you that there are many fairly cheap night spots in Stockholm. Especially hot lunches are reasonably priced, and salad buffets, drinks (mineral water and / or coffee) and bread are often included in the price.

Stockholm has many inns, and each district has its own soul and atmosphere. The inns are often personally designed and often offer home cooking and traditional Swedish food. An example of such an inn is Zum Franziskaner, Skeppsbron 44 (in the Old Town). NOX is a restaurant dating back to the 13th century. Here, typical Swedish and German dishes are served in large portions. The address is G rev Turegatan 30, Stockholm, (+46 (0) 8 545 824 00). Vasastan and the street Rörstrandsgatan are perhaps the area where you will find most quarter pubs with soul and charm.

You will find trendy eateries first and foremost at Östermalm and Södermalm. Mellqvist in Hornsgatan 78 [see image at the top of the article] may not be so trendy, but this is the place Stieg Larsson loved and is featured in the action in the novel Men Who Hate Women…

Kungsholmen also has several trendy restaurants. Examples of such restaurants are GQ at Östermalm and Marie Laveau at Södermalm.

Personally, we are charmed by the Old Town. Try a walk along Västerlängatan. It has many nice restaurants and pubs as well as shops.

Exclusive restaurants in Stockholm

Edsbacka Wärdhus
Perhaps the best restaurant in the Nordic region was Edsbacka Krog. Two stars in Guide Michelin say everything about the quality (and the price). Today the Michelin hunt is over, but you should still treat yourself to an excursion combined with a visit to the inn.

The restaurant is located a little outside the center of Stockholm, more specifically at Sollentunavägen 220, see map below. The Edsberg Park, where the restaurant (the inn) is located, is beautiful in its own right, while it houses a number of beautiful buildings.

Operakällaran
Operakällaran is the classic in Swedish restaurant and nightlife. Operakällaren has long been considered one of the best restaurants in Sweden. You can find it at Karl XII square. Book a table on tel. 08-676-558 00.

F12
This inn is named after the address, Fredsgatan 12. It is the flagship of TV celebrity and owner, Melker Andersson. Here it is elegant and modern.

Special restaurants in Stockholm

Stadshuskällaren
At Stadshuskällaren you can eat a meal prepared by the same chefs who make the Nobel dinner itself. The Swedish Nobel celebration is pompous and magnificent. You get the menu here. The address is Stadshuset on Hantverkargatan 1.

The theater grill
Near Norrmalmstorg you will find the very famous theater grill. If you have read Jens Lapidus (or watched the movies) about Life Deluxe, you know what we are talking about. The theater grill opened in 1945 and the staff, the interior and the food all give you something almost unique in Stockholm.

The theater barbecue is open until 0100 every day (not Mondays where the restaurant closes 2400). The restaurant is closed on Sundays. The address for the theater grill is Nybrogatan 3.

Nightclubs and bars in Stockholm

The nightlife in Stockholm is reasonably good every day of the week. People come late to the popular places. Many of the trendiest night spots have long queues on Fridays and Saturdays. It is easy to find pubs and taverns in Old Town.

Around Stureplan, Berzeli Park and in City you will find the best and hippest nightclubs. Some suggestions are Berns, StoureCompagniet, Spy Bar and Café Opera. The younger ones often apply to Södermalm and Vasastan.

Special bars in Stockholm

Icebar
Icebar, located in the Nordic Sea hotel (Vasaplan 7), is a special experience, but somewhat cold. The bar is made only of ice blocks, and the drink menu offers many different types of drinks based on Absolute Vodka. The temperature in the bar is approx. minus eight degrees, and you are given warm clothes to wear. Remember to book in advance. The bar is just 50 meters from Arlanda Express arrival.

In addition to an exclusive restaurant, F12 Terrassen
Fredsgatan 12 also has Stockholm’s perhaps most stylish nightclub. Here is party music, beautiful people and Stockholm’s coolest terrace. Need we say more?

Shopping and Eating in St. Petersburg, Russia

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to AbbreviationFinder, St. Petersburg is one of the largest cities in the country of Russia.

Shopping in St. Petersburg

It is strange to think that a few years ago there was almost nothing to buy in St. Petersburg, and the residents had to stand in one queue for milk, another queue for vegetables and a third queue for hygiene items. In recent years, there has been a much better selection of goods, and now you find the same international chains in St. Petersburg as you do in most western metropolitan areas.

Souvenirs

Tourists often buy products such as balalaika, samovar, porcelain, icons, fur hats and varnish cabinets. But the biggest favorite is probably food scraps, these hollow wooden dolls of ever smaller size inside each other. Traditionally, dolls represent babooshchkas, old wives, but in recent and modern variants, Russian presidents, footballers, Simpsons or Harry Potter figures are just as common.

There is a large souvenir market with about thirty stalls just north of Spas Na Krovi Church, and a smaller one in front of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, where you can buy everything you need from Russian gift items and souvenirs. And remember that it is both allowed and smart to bargain as best you can.

It may be tempting to buy real Russian caviar with you while in Russia, but keep in mind that there are clear limits on how much caviar you can take with you out of the country, and that caviar is a fresh product. If it has been in the sun at a souvenir shop on the street, you have no guarantee that it is edible before you are home. If you find the caviar for something less than 250-300 NOK for a box (usually 112 grams), it is probably either out of date or a synthetic caviar copy. If you want to be sure, buy fresh caviar from a supermarket on your departure day.

Shopping centers in St. Petersburg

Of course, if you prefer shopping under one roof, there are several shopping centers and department stores in such a large city as St. Petersburg. On the main street of Nevsky Prospekt, at No. 35 with its own metro station, lies one of the world’s oldest, which dates back to 1757. Bolshoi Gostiny Dvor stretches over 53,000 m², and despite its age, is one of Eastern Europe’s most modern and fashionable shopping malls. The website is only in Russian, but there are plenty of clothing stores for men, women and children, toy stores, sports shops, jewelers and booksellers.

In the same street, Nevsky Prospekt 48, is the Passage Trading House, with many stores selling fashion clothing, antiques, household goods, jewelry, souvenirs and electronics. And apropos of antiques, you must be aware that it is virtually impossible to get items older than a hundred years legally out of the country. But if you visit the store with the “original” name Antique Shop (in the backyard of Nevsky Prospect 51), you can at least bring with you props from the Soviet era, such as icons, statuettes, posters and the like.

In general about shopping in St. Petersburg

Please note that in most cases the price level of imported articles is not much lower than in Norway. Not all stores take credit cards either, so it may be okay to bring enough cash on your shopping trip.

The opening hours of the shops vary, but several stores in the center are open from 1000 to 2000 every day. Some are open even longer. The shops close earlier on Sundays. For the vast majority of goods there is a 20% sales tax, but in Russia there is no system for refunding VAT at the airport as in Western Europe. Admittedly, there are some duty-free shops for tourists in the city center and at the airport, but it must be said whether it is actually any less expensive for that reason.

Eating in St. Petersburg

Although St. Petersburg is the city in Russia that is most influenced by Western cultures and is only two hours by plane from Norway, the city seems exotic and alien with amazing churches with loop domes and Cyrillic letters. There are no modern skyscrapers here, but hundreds of bridges over idyllic canals.

St. Petersburg is a very young city, which recently celebrated its 300th anniversary. The city was the main seat of the Russian Tsars, and from here they ruled their vast empire. As the cultural capital of Russia, St. Petersburg has a very dramatic history that we strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with before traveling. The story includes intrigues, murders, sieges and revolutions.

St. Petersburg is not an easy city to be a tourist in, since most of the information and street signs are written in Cyrillic letters, as well as unscrupulous taxi drivers without a taximeter. But if you take the challenge, you will undoubtedly have many memorable experiences in Russia’s imperial city.

Shopping and Eating in Singapore

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Singapore is one of the countries in the continent of Asia. defined by AbbreviationFinder

Shopping in Singapore

The merchant will be able to go completely crazy in Singapore and clear his account in one afternoon. And those of us who have aversions to shopping malls and markets are facing heavy days.

Singapore is probably more famous for the selection than for the prices, but you can still shop for items like fashion clothing, electronic items and jewelry. It’s teeming with pirate goods, though, so if the prices seem too good to be true, that’s probably exactly what they are.

Singapore’s premier shopping street is Undoubtedly Orchard Road, where you will find large shopping centers close by. The area is probably more expensive and more exclusive than the rest of the city, but the selection and quality are not many people complain about. Most major designer stores like Armani, Gucci and Calvin Klein can be found in the Hilton Shopping Center, or across the street in the Palais Renaissance.

The largest of the shopping centers is Ngee Ann City, with more than a hundred specialist stores (at Orchard Road 391) as well as it also includes the flagship Takashimaya, which is a huge Japanese department store, see image first in the article.

In Chinatown you will find countless small shops offering souvenirs, jewelry, herbs and medicines, food and clothing. Especially in the streets of Trengganu Street and Smith Street it is teeming with offerings.

Little India stands out with spices, jewelry, crafts and fabrics, especially in Serangoon Road and the side streets. Here you will also find the large Mustafa shopping center, open 24 hours a day, which mainly sells electronic articles at fixed low prices. The address of Mustafa shopping center is at 145 Syed Alwi Road.

Also very popular is Sim Lim Square in 1 Rochor Canal Road, a four-storey shop at Bugis Junction that sells affordable data, photo equipment, music systems, camcorders and other electronic items. They also have a solid selection of affordable but pirated CDs and DVDs.

A general about shopping in Singapore

A few tips in the end: Check that the products you buy can actually be used in Europe. Many articles are adapted to their own Asian systems or power. International guarantee certificates are important to bring, with stamp, product number and date. Singapore has a VAT of only 5%, but this can be refunded at the airport upon departure. And if you are in town during the period May / June, you will get super sales, with most stores cutting their prices by up to 70% to make room for new items.

Eating in Singapore

Singapore’s multinational melting pot has brought the best of both Indian, Chinese, Malaysian, Arabic and European food traditions. In addition, you will find hundreds of new and exclusive restaurants of most nationalities.

Singapore also offers cheap, satisfying and varied cuisine at the various outdoor booths you will find throughout the city. In many places you will find so-called food halls, with many kitchens gathered under the same roof, where you can walk around and pick what you want and put yourself in a common dining area.

Here you can eat well and saturated for a cheap money while choosing and wasting a variety of both exotic and well-known dishes. An example is the image above. It’s from the basement of the huge Ngee Ann City shopping center in Orchard Road.

In Little India you will find the best in Indian food, in Chinatown this is the Chinese food that applies and in “Arabia” you get food from the Middle East. Otherwise it is no problem to find all types of kitchens around the city center or downtown. on the island of Sentosa.

The Banana Leaf Apolo

If you want to try something truly culturally authentic and want a colorful dining experience, maybe the South Indian restaurant The Banana Leaf Apolo at Race Rouse Road 54, in Little India, is for you? Here, curries and sambal, fish, seafood and vegetarian dishes are served on thick banana leaves, and you eat with your fingers. Most dishes cost a few bucks, and the service is brilliant, although the premises themselves may have some cafeteria fare.

The Raffles and Empire Lounge

At the other end of the scale, you can try some of the most elegant in Singapore. Travel to The Raffles, the world-renowned hotel in 50 Raffles Place, where lifelong masters are closely watching as you eat lobster or pigeon breast and noble French red wine in the light of large crystal chandeliers. Sure it is expensive, but the quality is difficult to surpass.

Drink in Singapore

Perhaps because of the Western influence coming from the British government for over a hundred years, Singapore has not established any tradition of wine. You can of course buy wine at better restaurants, but it is relatively expensive, since it is almost always imported.

The British, on the other hand, have managed to leave their pub culture, where workers go out after work and make a few pints. For that reason, there are often Happy Hour in the pubs in the time between noon. 17 and 20.

There are countless English and Irish pubs in Singapore, with a good selection of beers on bottles and barrels.

Shopping and Eating in Siena, Italy

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Siena is one of the largest cities in the country of Italy.

Shopping in Siena

There are many unique and special shops in Siena defined by AbbreviationFinder. And as always when visiting Italy you find outlets that are different from what you are used to from Norway. Fortunately now we say!

Best shopping streets in Siena

The main shopping streets in Siena are Via Dei Montanini, Via di Citta and Banchi de Sopra. Here are clothing stores, shoe stores, antique outlets, bookstores, food outlets and everything else you can think of.

The best antique shop in Siena is said to be Antichita Monna Agnes. It is located in Via di Citta no. 60.

It is not possible to visit Siena without shopping for food, drinks or sweets. Lovers of Italian cuisine are recommended to go to a shop that has been running since 1871. The sale we are talking about is called Antica Drogheria Manganelli and is located in Via di Citta no. 71-73.

A favorite store for food is Consorzio Agrario, (see picture first in the article) a kind of supermarket for local food and which has a range of products so wonderful that you want to pick so much with you. Consorzio Agrario also has its own bakery where you can enjoy a snack. Consorzio Agrario’s address is Via Giuseppe Pianigiani 9.

Souvenirs from Siena

Apart from food and drink, there are ceramics that people bring as souvenirs from Siena. A shopping alternative in this regard is Sonia’s Shop in Via Fusari, just off the cathedral.

Other souvenirs are tabs and symbols from the city’s famous palio, the traditional horse race that takes place in Siena twice a year. Otherwise, there is some krim-krams that tells you that you have visited Piazza del Campo that most tourists buy with them. And it is precisely at Piazzo del Campo that you will find most of the typical souvenir ships.

Clothes and shoes in Siena

Buying clothes or shoes in Siena is not stupid at all. There is a lot of smart Italian fashion to be found around the city. And a little special tip. The nicest Bennetton store in the world is probably to be found in Siena. The address is Via Banchi Di Sopra. 56/57/58. Usually open every day of the week from 1000 to 2000. Attention! This means that the closure begins approx. 1945:-)

Also remember to do some window shopping. Take a trip to Piazza del Campo, 30/31 and the Cortecci shop. Prada and Gucci are some of the less expensive brands you’ll find here. If you can afford to shop at Cortecci we would like to have you as our travel companion. If you can’t afford it, then try Aloe & Wolf, a stylish utility store with many brands in the street Via Porrione, No. 23. There is a street just off Piazza del Campo.

Markets in Siena

There is a large outdoor market located at La Lizza, near Piazza Gramsci, which is open every Wednesday from 0800 to 1300. Here you will find fruits and vegetables, cheeses and various clothing and household items.

Every third Sunday of the month there is a large outdoor market at Piazza del Mercato in Siena. Not least, there is a lot to look at for those who love antiques.

Special Tips for Shopping in Siena

The months of January / February and July are sales months in Siena. Then most stores have sales and you can save a lot of money on most items.

Eat in Siena

If you go to Siena you are definitely aware that the city’s location is in Tuscany. Few areas in Italy are more known for their food and wine than just Tuscany.

The food tradition in Tuscany comes from ” cucina povera “, that is from the time there were poor conditions in the Italian countryside, and the chefs had to be creative in the use of the simple ingredients available.

Even though the restaurant menus in Siena today do not account for any of what you experience in far larger cities, it is still olive oil, bread, cheese, ham and salami that form the basis for almost all meals.

Specialties in Siena

Siena is known for its special pasta called pici and its flavorful cake called panforte. This cake has ingredients of nuts and candied fruits and is available everywhere in town.

Wine and Tuscany are synonyms. Here are two tips. South of Siena lies the district of Montalcino and from here come good wines in a row. We must also mention the Chianti district which probably everyone in Norway already knows. Chianti is located between Florence and Siena and is another well-known region for quality wines.

Ice cream is a specialty in Italy, and Siena is no exception. Many Italians we know look up to the Nannini family, not least because of the ice cream production. You can find a worthy outlet for the Nannini ice cream on Via Banchi di Sopra, 24, (see photo first in the article).

Some select restaurants in Siena

Il Pomodorino

The best pizza restaurant in Siena is probably Il Pomodorino in Via Camporegio 13. The pizzas are baked in the same way as in Naples, and the restaurant’s window table also offers great views of the bargain.

Cacio e Pere

If you are young, at least at heart, visit Cacio e Pere on Via dei Termini 70. This place is a kind of gallery / bar / restaurant / concert house combination and offers decent food in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, different from much else in Siena.

Osteria Da Divo

Not many meters from the Cathedral of Siena you will find the Osteria Da Divo restaurant. This is the place where you can relive the old Tuscan atmosphere with strong Etruscan guides.

The wine menu is large and literally covers the whole of Italy and much of the world by the way, and holds high quality. The food is something you will remember for a long time and the menu naturally includes Bistecca (famous Tuscan / Florentine T-bone steak).

The price level is at the Norwegian level, but you get a quality and atmosphere for the money you are looking for long at home. The address of Osteria Da Divo is Via Franciosa 25/29.

Shopping and Eating in Sicily, Italy

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Sicily is one of the largest cities in the country of Italy.

Shopping in Sicily

If you love shopping you will love Sicily defined by AbbreviationFinder. Although the island is dominated by agriculture and fishing, as well as tourism, and self-assertion stands strong among its citizens, it is not to come from that you are in Italy. Fashionable clothes, stylish shoes and designer goods of all kinds are of top Italian quality and the prices just as nice.

Of course, Palermo is the best place to visit for this kind of product. We suggest the fashion street Viale della Libertà. Also the town of Taormina with its street Corso Umberto and the island’s second largest city Catania with the Via Etnea street are excellent options.

Souvenirs from Sicily

Most people who come home from holidays in Sicily bring wine and / or food. It’s no wonder. There are hardly any other places you get better and cheaper. One tip is to buy the island’s specialties, e.g. marzipan or almond wine Vino al la mandorla. Otherwise, there are many wonderful cheeses and olive oils you can buy. Do you visit famous cities such as Corleone you could be buying with you a mafia memory. Eg. a liqueur labeled “Godfather” or equivalent. But for this type of product, quality is probably less important than the imagined product brings.

An alternative to souvenirs is papyrus. Souvenir shops throughout the island offer this specialty that has been produced in Syracuse from the “Morning of Time”. Siracusa in the south-east of Sicily is also the place where you can buy copies of ancient Greek coins, and the city also has a very nice flower market.

You may want to bring some great pottery jars home with you. Visit San Stefano di Camastra just east of the very famous tourist town of Cefalù for the best editions.

Outdoor shopping in Sicily

Do like the Sicilians! Do your shopping outdoors. Markets are everywhere, and the quality is often very good, although Sicily also has its dose of copy goods from China and elsewhere in the East, and is sold more or less everywhere tourists travel. If you visit Agrigento, you know the city with the archaeological excavations, know that this is also the region for leather products. The markets here also have excellent food products, e.g. olive oil, cheeses and wines. In Sicily, outdoor markets have been a tradition since the 8th century, when the island was under Arab control.

The inland village of Ragusa in the south of Sicily is an impressive city known for its beautiful buildings and rich culture. Visit the streets of Via Roma and Corso Italy for many great shops. Le Massarie in the street Via a Grandi and Centro Commerciale Ibleo on the street Viale delle Americhe are both major shopping centers. On Sundays, there are food markets in several places in the city, and a large Wednesday market takes place just outside the city’s football stadium.

Catania has its famous Piazza Carlo Alberto market in the square just off Via Umberto and Corso Sicilia. A popular fish market can be found at Piazza Duomo. The markets often close early in the evening and remain completely closed on Sundays.

Palermo has a number of markets spread around the city. Just off the church of Martorana and Quattro Canti you will find the Ballarò market. It extends from Piazza Ballarò and across Via Ballarò all the way to Corso Tukory. Also visit the Capo Market just off the great Teatro Massimo.

The tourist favorite is for many the Vucceria market which starts at Piazza San Domenico and goes along Via Maccheronai to Piazza Caracciolo, parallel to the main street Via Roma. Most markets are open every day from morning to evening, except for Sundays where many are closed.

Mafia-free shopping in Sicily

Palermo and other cities in Sicily offer some pizza-free shops. Check for signs and you support local traders who will not pay protection money to the mafia.

Eating in Sicily

Sicily is an agricultural region and all over the island you will find farms that produce fruit, vegetables, meat and wine. And of course, along the coast there is plenty of fishing villages.

As you can see, there is no point in obtaining the highest quality raw materials, almost everywhere in Sicily. And in every village and town you will find good restaurants that offer food of the best brand at good price. You can of course get pizza and pasta in Sicily too. But the restaurants offer so much more.

Local cuisine in Sicily

Sicily is perhaps best known for its seafood. A specialty of Sicily is grilled swordfish. This is actually possible to get at several restaurants around the island. If you are just a little hungry or are considering a good appetizer then try a local pizza variant called Sfincione. Ingredients are anchovies and of course onions and tomatoes, and especially without cheese. Or is Caponata popular. Caponata is a tasty salad with celery, eggplant and olives, among others.

Another typical small dish for Sicily is Involtini. Involtini are small, filled rolls of swordfish baked or deep fried.

Are you fond of meat so white that in Sicily you are good with lamb and goat dishes. The most commonly recommended dish is Vitello alla marsala, (calf marsala). In general you can say about the main courses in Sicily that the steaks are big and tender, the fish fresh, the salad refreshingly good and the wine delicious.

If you do not usually eat dessert then introduce yourself to this habit when you are in Sicily. Try a Cannoli which is a baked sweet ricotta that tastes different. But it is certainly not negatively intended. The reason the taste is different here than from the rest of Italy is due to the use of local sheep’s milk. Alternatively, eat a Cassata. It is a cake that contains lots of cream and caramelized fruits.

As a dessert wine, for example, choose a Passito which is a sweet (naturally) wine from the island of Pantelleria southwest of Sicily. If none of the aforementioned desserts are tempted then you just have to get some ice cream. Italian ice cream is the best in the world, and the ice in Sicily is perhaps the best in Italy!

When to eat in Sicily?

Lunch in Sicily begins at 1300 and lasts until 1500 or 1600. Dinner begins around 2000 and lasts almost all night. The lunch can be as extensive as dinner. And the appetizers (antipasti) are often more delicate than many of us are used to. For example, try Arancine which is saturating and good rice balls. The main course or primo piatti are usually pasta or rice dishes. Secondo is the main course and as mentioned earlier it is often fish or lamb meat. Often the main course should be followed by a contorno which is a side right, e.g. salad. Drink is almost always water and wine.

Most people associate Italian food with pizza and pasta, but the Sicilian cuisine also offers some very different culinary experiences. Local restaurants and chefs believe that the reason is the good supply of top quality ingredients.

Good restaurants in Sicily

Palermo and Cin-Cin
Don’t look the dog on your hair when looking for Palermo’s best restaurants. They are often in side streets with worn facades. Cin-Cin is one such restaurant. You can find it in Via Manin 22, not far from the English Garden (Giardino Inglese) and the Opera House.

With its many small rooms that allow for some private surroundings, this is not at all an A-typical restaurant in Sicily. But the kitchen prepares delicious food, and the house ricotta is legendary. Add to that the restaurant is open year-round and has a long and tasty wine list so you understand that you have a winner.

Are you in Palermo and looking for a good pizza? Visit Corvo dei Beati Paoli at the Piazza Marina square not far from the castle of Steri Castle Garibaldi Gardens. Choose from 30 pizza varieties, e.g. a delightful Sicilian capricciosa. If you are more than pizza-hungry, you can get delicious dishes of lamb or seafood. The address is Piazza Marina 50 and you can choose whether you want to sit outdoors or indoors.

Taormina Granduca
restaurant Granduca is widely known and an institution in Taormina. This is primarily a restaurant for those who love good seafood. But there are plenty of other dishes for you who prefer meat or pasta. The street-level stairs take you up to the restaurant’s terrace, which offers wonderful views. More on the bar is excellent service and a great wine list. As mentioned, the town is Taormina just off Messina east of Sicily, and the address is Corso Umberto 172.

Catania and Al Gabbiano The
restaurant Al Gabbiano (the gulls) probably has more with the location and preference for seafood than birds on the menu. The restaurant is a great choice if you are in Catania (east of Sicily, and just south of Taormina and Messina). You can find it in the old town, more specifically in Via Monsignor Ventimiglia, 182. NB! The restaurant is closed in August.

Cefalu and Vecchia Marina
The tourists’ favorite city of Cefalu naturally offers some great restaurants. One of these is Vecchia Marina. Here is the atmosphere and history of buckets and buckets. Enjoy delicious pasta dishes and grilled seafood. Great value for money and then we have not even included service of the best brand. Veccha Marina is normally closed between November and January. The address is Vittorio Emanuele 73.

Agrigento and Manhattan
Maybe you also visit the city of Agrigento in southwest Sicily? If so, it is said that the best place to eat their food is at the Manhattan restaurant. Maybe not exactly a name you associate with excellent Italian food? And at least not in Sicily. But then one can make mistakes. The address is Salita Madonna degli Angeli.

Shopping and Eating in Shanghai, China

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Shanghai is one of the largest cities in the country of China.

Shopping in Shanghai

Shanghai’s people see themselves as the most modern and shopping gal of all Chinese. And a modern metropolis like Shanghai defined by AbbreviationFinder is by no means behind the major European cities in terms of shopping opportunities. Brands are just as expensive in China as elsewhere in the world. Copy products are of course cheap. Chinese products, whether clothing or anything else, are of good quality and have a nice design, and prices are far lower than for European and American products.

The major shopping streets are Nanjing Lu and Huaihai Lu. Here you will find everything from shops and shopping centers. The most famous shopping centers are the Hualian department store in Nanjing Donglu Street. The center is known for its many products in the lower price ranges. Another well-known mall is the No 1 department store. This too has products at low prices. In Nanjing Xilu Street, you will find the most exclusive centers, such as Plaza 66. Perhaps the largest shopping center can be found in Pudong, right by the TV tower, in Zhengda Guangchang Street. The center is called the Superbrand Mall and is funded by Thai business interests.

Silk and porcelain
Silk and porcelain are two Chinese specialties. Porcelain can be purchased at the Shanghai Museum. It’s easy to get fooled in souvenir shops around town, so the museum shop is a good choice. Here you will find high quality products at reasonable prices.

You can buy silk at the silk market in Dong Jia Du Lu (Dong Jia Du silk market). The market is located in Nan-Shi district and is not easy to find, so take a taxi. Here there is always life and stir. There are many providers and you will find all types of silk products. Several sites recommend these outlets: Nos. 5, 70, 72, 121, 159 and 170. Another place you can buy silk is at the “Silk King Market” in Tianping Lu, in the French Concession area. This market is more efficient and modern than the Dong Jia Du market. Opening hours are at 0900-2100.

Antiques and Souvenirs in Shanghai
There are many shops selling souvenirs around Shanghai. We recommend calligraphy posters and teapots as souvenirs. Visit Old Town (Chinatown), where it is teeming with providers of this kind of product.

There is an antique market on Fangbang Zhonglu Street in the Old Town, where there is a lot of life on Sundays. The market is called Fuyou Antique Market. A more expensive alternative is the Shanghai Antique & Curio Store in Guangdong Lu Street. This is a specially crafted tourist trap with lots of antiques and souvenirs.

Eating in Shanghai

Shanghai has not traditionally been known for its food, but in recent years the quality of its restaurants has increased significantly. As in other major cities, all the world’s cuisine is represented, but we think you should try Chinese food when you are first in China. China’s different regions have their specialties, and you will find restaurants for all these specialties in Shanghai.

A restaurant chain that offers Cantonese cuisine is Bifengtang. Here there is affordable food for high quality. If you want Shanghai specialties, try the restaurant 1221. Examples of local cuisine include crab, steamed beans, cooked pork and chicken and duck blood soup. The soup is said to be very healthy and should strengthen the body. It tastes (actually) good.

You buy cheap food at the Chinese fast food chains, of which there are many. In Shanghai, it is eaten “everywhere and all the time”, and it is easy to find snacks and snacks, whether it is corn cob or seafood. Almost all shopping centers have such simple restaurants. Be careful with some of the simple kiosks on the sidewalks. Norwegian stomachs may not tolerate all food equally well. Yunnan Lu is a dining street with many restaurants. It is located just off Renmin Square.

When visiting a Chinese restaurant, we recommend that you serve different Chinese dishes. Then you can pick what you like best and at the same time get an overview of different dishes. China has an incredible variety of dishes, and most of them are very tasty.

Chinese wine is quite good and we recommend you try it. One of the better Chinese wines is called Great Wall. It may not be the same as what you are used to at home, but it is a fun alternative and much cheaper than European wine, for example. Chinese food and wine may not be the most common combination. Beer, on the other hand, can be a good alternative. Chinese beer is very good and drinkable by “everyone”. It is not usually very strong (less than 4%). The best brands (at least the most popular ones) are Tsingtao, Yanjing and Beijing Beer.

Special restaurants

T8
Restaurant is located in Taicang Lu. It is considered among the world’s 50 best restaurants. The kitchen serves Asian cuisine with Asian influence.

Lulu Restaurant
It is located on Nanjing Xilu Street on the 6th floor of Plaza 66 and is reputed to be one of the best in Shanghai cuisine. Here you get everything!

M on the Bund
The M on the Bund restaurant is recommended by all travel guides. It is located on the 7th floor of the Huaxia Bank building. The view from the terrace is great and the place is popular. Bookings are required in good time.

Shopping and Eating in Seville, Spain

By shopareview | January 27, 2021

According to DigoPaul, Seville is one of the largest cities in the country of Spain.

Shopping in Seville

Seville defined by AbbreviationFinder is probably not the foremost destination in Spain for shopping. If that is the main purpose of your trip, you should consider Barcelona or Madrid. But for most of us, there is still a huge selection Seville has to offer.

The foremost and best shopping area is located north of the City Hall, Ayuntamiento. In the pedestrian streets of Cuna, Sierpes, Velazquez and Tetúan as well as around the Plaza Nueva square you will find everything from shoe shops, clothing stores and souvenir shops. In addition to all the well-known chain stores such as H&M, Zara and Boss, you will also find local specialty shops where you can, among other things, sew your own flamenco dress or toreador costume.

If you prefer larger shopping centers, you will find several branches of Spain’s largest department store chain, El Corte Ingles, scattered around the city, including the Plaza de San Francisco, just north of the cathedral. You also have the huge Nervión Plaza in Avenida de Luis Morales, just south of Santa Justa Train Station.

The stores are usually open from 0930 to 1330 and from 1630 to 2000, but this varies. Most of them stay closed on Sunday, although some local businesses may consider staying open. The larger shopping centers do not have siesta, and are open continuously from 1000 to 1900 or 2000. El Corte Ingles is open until 11 pm. 2200.

Markets in Seville

If you are in Seville on Thursday, you should join the street market El Jueves, which takes place in Calle de la Feria, in the Macarena district. Here you will find all kinds of clothes and books, furniture and plates, scrap metal and antiques. Several old objects can be found in the many antique shops in the streets around Plaza Alfalfa.

In general about shopping in Spain

Do not forget that you pay VAT and that on all purchases over 90 euros you can be refunded VAT on departure from Spain. Not all stores have a VAT refund scheme, so look for the Tax Free Shopping badge at the entrance to buy expensive products. Remember to bring a completed and stamped form and receipt.

Eating in Seville

The food culture of Seville is a blissful blend of several cultures. The proximity of two world seas, the legacy of centuries under Arab rule, the discovery of America and the Spanish food culture have all made their mark.

Meals in Seville are an event almost every time, and the Spaniards know to enjoy the food instead of just eating to be saturated. You will find hundreds of tapas bars in Seville, and you will find vacant chairs and tables that are almost at the crossroads, because here you eat as well standing at the bar or at high round tables, while chatting with friends.

The tapas dishes cost anywhere from NOK 25 to 100, which everyone around the table supplies. Accessories are most often beer or manzanilla, a local sherry. These eateries are often called cervecerias or bodegas.

The Andalucia region is considered the birthplace of tapas, and here you will find a list of Seville’s best tapas bars !

Dinner is eaten much later than we Scandinavians are used to, and restaurants rarely start to fill up at 22. But if you have children or want to have an early evening, you will also find places that serve dinner from 2000. Many of the best and most popular eateries are the traditional Andalusian restaurants, and the food here is both good and reasonably priced on a Norwegian scale.

Spain is the world’s largest supplier of olive oil, and this naturally influences the eating habits. Seville is nowhere near as international as the very largest Spanish cities, although there are of course some Indian, Italian and Chinese restaurants here and there.

Spanish wine is both reasonable and good, and is available in all types and price ranges. White wine is called vino blanco, while red wine is called vino tinto. For lunch, it is common to buy House wine (Vino de la casa) either in liter or semi-liter carafes. The Spaniards are also fond of their coffee, and usually drink several cups daily. Café solo is black, strong espresso, while café con leche is with milk. If you want regular “Norwegian” coffee, ask for a café americano.

Adalusian restaurant in Seville
If you want to try an authentic, Andalusian family run restaurant, try Enrique Becerra in Calle Gamazo 2, just south of Plaza Nueva. Located in two 17th-century buildings with marble columns, the place is renowned for very welcoming and personal service.

Here you can try specialties such as ratatouille, gazpacho, beef tail, octopus stuffed and ice cold sangria. Enrique Becerra also has a very well stocked wine cellar with over 11,000 bottles. Reservation is recommended. Open for lunch daily from 1300 to 1700, and dinner from 2000 to midnight. NB Closed Sundays.

Tapas restaurant in Seville
Bar Europe is considered among the very best tapas restaurants in Seville. The origin of the bar dates from the mid-20s, but is naturally restored enough to follow time. You can find Bar Europa at Santa Cruz and Plaza Del Pan. Here you will find 5 types of homemade bread and lots of delicious tapas with fish, ham, rice and much more. And the prices don’t scare anyone.

The address of Bar Europa is Calle Siete Revueltas 35.

El Rinconcillo

If you go to Satna Calina Church, the road is short to the legendary El Rinconcillo in Calle Gerona, 40. The place opened in 1670 and offers Tapas and good drinks. Open all days of the week from 1300 to 0130.