The Culture Bank

For visitors of Toronto Canada, getting around the city to see the various sights might seem like a daunting task, but it could be easier than it appears.  Toronto has a vast network of roads, a transit system and rail system that covers the entire city.  Visitors should not have a problem reaching any destination they choose within the city limits, and even attractions a little farther away.

Toronto Transit Commission

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is Toronto’s bus and tube system, better known in Canada as a subway.  The system covers the whole city, and even ventures into the adjoining city of Mississauga, so visitors may visit attractions nearby.  You may purchase a Day Pass, which gives unlimited rides throughout the city for the entire day.  Additionally, visitors should note there is a bus taking passengers from Pearson International Airport to the downtown core, making travel into the city much easier.

Rail Travel

Another way to get around the city and neighbouring areas is to take the GO Train.  These double decker trains carry hundreds of passengers each day, with the main destination of Union Station in the downtown core.  Visitors wishing to see nearby Niagara Falls may also board a train during the summer months and visit one of the natural wonders of the world.

PATH

Toronto has a unique underground shopping system.  Known as the PATH, visitors can travel for miles underground avoiding busy surface streets while shopping at well-known shops.

Hotels come in all shapes and sizes.  They can be family friendly, pet friendly, individual resorts and chains which are the same across the world.  They can also range from budget priced to the sky’s the limit.  One type that has seen particular growth is boutique hotels and a city that specialises in them is Barcelona.

If you’re a couple looking to get away for a city break or romantic weekend at reasonable prices, boutique hotels are becoming the favourite choice.  They offer a more individualistic and intimate experience, and are typically smaller in size than your average chain hotel and usually in prime city centre or trendy locations.  The emphasis is often on style rather luxury which can allow for specialist themes and quirks of taste in building design and room furnishings.  Minimal chic is one example of a style that has become popular in recent years.

Originally popularised in the USA, boutique hotels have quickly established themselves in major European cities like Barcelona.  With limited space in the city centre and a wealth of surrounding architecture that suits the boutique experience, it’s a perfect fit.  Fine examples include the Praktik with branches on Rambla de Cataluña and C/ Diputació, the Wilson on Avenida Diagonal, Hotel Omm on C/ Rosselló and Hotel Pulitzer on C/ Bergara.

It’s worth remembering that many boutique hotels in Barcelona provide limited restaurant and room service facilities. You’re more likely to find a reading room or rooftop terrace in their place.

Montreal is a beautiful place to spend your holiday, and you can even practice your French whilst you’re there.  British airlines and tour operators are offering exceptional deals including flights and accommodation in the city renowned as being at the heart of French Canada.

Montreal is a sightseers dream.  It contains one of the largest gardens in the world, the Jardin Boutique.  Another huge draw for visitors to Montreal is the Basilique Notre Dame, a huge neo-gothic church with an elaborate altar and beautiful stained glass windows.  Additionally, something that will enthral all of the family is the Biodome, which allows visitors to experience all the world’s ecosystems under one roof.

The city is also a wonderful place for those who enjoy letting their hair down while on holiday.  There are some great clubs such as the Plateau, European style cocktail bars, as well budget bars where you can enjoy a great evening without breaking the bank.

Montreal also is the place for great eating with renowned restaurants such as the Restaurant Le Grain De Sel, Barroco, Olive & Gourmando and Stash Café.

An important element of any holiday is the accommodation, and Montreal has some great hotels.  Holidaymakers can stay in the Sofitel Montreal, Hotel Les Suites Labelle and the Chateau Versailles to name just a few.

A walk around the area is always pleasant, and for those preferring to use public transport the bus service is cheap.

Located beside a lake of the same name, Zurich is based on the east side of Switzerland.  Renowned for being the banking capital of the world, underneath all the affluence and the finery of classy boutiques can be found a vibrant nightlife and the birthplace of unorthodox ideas such as Dadaism.  Flights can be taken worldwide from Zurich-Kloten Airport, which is located in the north-western region of the city.  Most of Zurich’s main attractions can be found conveniently located beside the River Limmat including Fraumunster Church and Grossmunster Cathedral.  There are a number of beautiful lake promenades to escape the bustle of the city or visitors can get lost exploring the art galleries and museums that line the intriguing cobblestoned streets.  For those looking to spend, Bahnhofstrasse is popular for shopaholics.  Then, for evening entertainment, visitors can indulge in an array of luxury restaurants and clubs throughout the city.

Located in the west of Europe, Switzerland is well known to those seeking a more refined form of holiday destination.  Visitors can take a skiing trip in the Swiss Alps or spoil themselves in the glamorous metropolises.  For a taste of this country’s diversity, the ideal choice for travellers is Switzerland’s biggest city, Zurich.  However, the country also has much more to offer in the form of quaint villages, intriguing vineyards and the majestic Jura Mountains located in the north.  With so much on offer, it is very easy to spoil oneself on a Swiss holiday.

London is based in the south-east region of England.  The murky and meandering River Thames, which makes its way through the city, is no reflection of the energy and culture that is contained in this city.  London can be accessed by any of its three airports, namely Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted.  The best place to start is in the centre of the city in which most of London’s iconic landmarks can be found, including the majestic Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben.  A large range of interesting museums are also available, most of which are free to enter.  Nevertheless, what really makes London special is its eclectic range of boroughs offering an array of entertainment and attractions.  Notting Hill is perfect for boutiques but if you are on a budget then Camden Market might be more appropriate.  For an escape from the bustle of the city, visitors can relax in the Botanic Gardens or explore the wilderness of Hampstead Heath.  Then, in the evening, there is the alternative scene of Brick Lane or the upmarket clubs of Richmond.

In relation to Great Britain, England is located in the south.  As with London, the country contains a diverse mix, from picturesque villages to vibrant metropolises.  London has been described as a world within a city and, in that respect, is not like any other city in England.  However, it is still able to preserve a sense of its own national identity, from its red, double-deckers to its traditional pubs.  Although an umbrella might be useful, England is a compelling country to visit, one that will ensure a memorable holiday.

Bangkok is well known for its “anything goes” atmosphere, but there is more to this sprawling city than the 24/7 party that can be found on the Khao San Road! 

Bangkok has earned itself a reputation as a shopper’s paradise, catering to pretty much every market, at any time of the day or night; from t-shirt stalls to mega shopping malls – if you have got money to burn, you can do it here. 

Thailand has an ancient culture, which is sometimes overshadowed by its more well-known neighbours.  The Royal Palace in Bangkok is an awe-inspiring feat of traditional Thai architecture, spanning a huge area; it houses one of the finest, and largest, examples of the reclining Buddha within its walls.

Venture just outside the city on one of the many day trips offered by innumerable tour operators and you will catch a glimpse of Thailand old and new.  The Floating Market, which is located an hour and a half outside the city, is the perfect way to see how Bangkok – at one time known as the Venice of the East – used to operate, with local people trading their wares on the waterways.  While most of the floating shops now sell souvenirs to tourists, it is still definitely worth taking a trip to this bustling aqua market. 

Or visitors can take a trip to the bridge on the River Kwai – the infamous Burmese railway project built by POWs held by the Japanese during World War II – for a gritty slice of modern history.  And there are many more day trips available to broaden your experiences when visiting this wonderful city. 

To get the most from your trip, look further than the enticing, flashing lights of Khao San Road – you won’t be disappointed.

Duly noted as the capital of the USA, Washington is home to the President of the United States. This is where visitors can view the official residence of almost every US president: the 18th century White House.

Sited as one of America’s most beautiful cities, Washington’s close proximity to Virginia and Maryland allows travellers to enjoy relaxing scenic drives to other great US destinations. This powerhouse city is fuelled by tourism and politics, which keeps it full of life with an eclectic mix.

Each of the separate districts inside the city provides a different mix of culture. The Adams-Morgan District is known for its ethnic groups while Dupont Circle is popular for its vast array of clubs. Downtown is where visitors can explore the city’s many galleries and enjoy the local nightlife, while Connecticut Avenue will bring a warm smile to the shopper in your group.

The National Mall and Capitol Hill area offers up the city’s most distinguished museums and prominent buildings. They include the Smithsonian Institution and presidential monuments, while Georgetown is the place to indulge in the finest boutiques and restaurants. It is also noted for having the most upscale chains, stately antique stores and independent boutiques.

Aside from the White House, there are other distinctive sites worth visiting.  The Smithsonian Institute is home to 15 different museums that house a large array of artefacts and art. This is where you will find the Museum of American History and the Air and Space Museum. The Kennedy Space Museum for the Performing Arts is the best place to take in a night of live theatre.

Brussels is a city that is home to the European Parliament and as such is home to people from all over Europe.  In addition there are large communities of people from the US and several African countries, so French and Flemish are not the only languages you will hear during your visit. 

If you enjoy shopping then Brussels has everything that you need.  The designer stores and department stores in the Avenue Louise area of the city are not to be missed, although if you are on a tighter budget then the smaller arcade shops and gift shops in the city centre should provide you with what you are looking for.

The city centre is home to the Grand Place.  This is a large square located close to Central station and is filled with gothic-style buildings.  If you visit at the right time in August you can see the ‘tapis des fleurs’ – a literal carpet of flowers, created in an intricate design and which fills up most of the square.  This event is only on for a few days so some careful planning of times is needed if you do not want to miss it.  During the summer the sound and light show at 10.30pm is also a must. 

Other attractions in the city include the many parks, the European parliament buildings and the world famous Mannequin-Pis statue.  When picking up gifts there are a few local specialities such as chocolate and lace that you should not leave behind.

Los Angeles is a city to visit for those who want to be kept on the go constantly.  Any fan of the film and television industry, will find that a trip to Hollywood is a dream come true.  The iconic Hollywood sign is the perfect backdrop to any tourist photograph and is perhaps the most famous of all the Los Angles landmarks.

Taking a walk around Hollywood you will see many stars on the pavement known as the ‘Hollywood Walk of Fame’.  Top name actors and actresses from all over the world have their own stars and many have also left behind their hand prints at the nearby Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.  You can pick up maps from street vendors outlining the homes of the Hollywood stars in nearby Beverly Hills and West Hollywood although it is very rare to spot a celebrity when on one of the tours.

Top tourist attractions in Los Angeles include the Hollywood Bowl, Universal Studios and Disneyland, the very first of the Walt Disney Theme Parks.  You can visit some beautiful beaches in Los Angeles including Hermosa and Manhattan beaches.  A trip up the coast will take you to Malibu, another popular spot for celebrity hunters.

There are several parks for children to play if you want to take a break from the regular tourist trail.  One such place is Cold Water Canyon Park which can be the perfect place for a picnic and ideal for those who want to spend quality time as a family, to relax and unwind.

Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden, with a population of just under 900,000 inhabitants; including the suburbs and surrounding region, this rises to just over two million.  This makes Stockholm and its surroundings the most populated area throughout the Scandinavian region.

Visitors are attracted to Stockholm for its relatively liberal atmosphere and as a base to explore the Stockholm archipelago and the rest of Sweden.

The historic heart of Stockholm is known as Gamla Stan (the Old Town).  This area is situated on the island of Stadsholmen, with surrounding islands named Riddarholmen, Helgeandsholmen and Stromsborg.  The Old Town dates back to Stockholm’s foundation in the 13th century.  There are a number of narrow medieval streets and old buildings for you to admire whilst exploring the area.  The central square, Stortorget, is home to the Stockholm Stock Exchange.

The Old Town is also home to the Royal Palace, Stockholm Cathedral, the Nobel Museum and Riddarholm Church are located.  As with many historic city centres around the world, Stockholm’s Old Town is a key tourist area.  There are restaurants, bars, clubs and shopping venues within easy walking distance, but if you wish to travel further afield, Stockholm has a good transport network that is well maintained, clean and typically punctual.

The Old Town is an ideal place to meet with friends or family before exploring the city and its surroundings in more depth.