Most wise travel guides will rank a visit to the home of Barcelona FC as highly as a trip to the Sagrada Familia or the Ramblas. It is inherent in Barcelona’s way of life and is the vehicle for political vexations and local pride. Catalan culture is fiercely individual and Barcelona FC has oft served as the mouthpiece for Catalan politics, particularly during the time of Franco’s regime. Socialists, anarchists and dissidents in general found refuge and solidarity in the clubs membership.

The race for supremacy with Real Madrid is hotter than ever with Barca recently claiming bragging rights with a 3-1 victory over their rivals. This blew the title race wide open and set us up for one of the most intriguing La Liga finales ever waged.

A simple visit to the Spainticketbureau.com gives you the opportunity to buy tickets to see some of the world’s finest sportsmen. Names like Messi, Xavi and Iniesta will be part of football folklore for years after their playing days with many already hailing Messi as the greatest player ever, and it certainly wouldn’t be outrageous to cite the current Barca side as the best team ever. Their brand of ‘total football’ has set the sporting world alight and is one of the best examples of perfect team play in existence.

Teams the calibre of the current Barca side are a once in a generation occurrence and the chance to see them must be seized when the opportunity arises. Spainticketbureau.com can facilitate your journey.

How to Get Hotel discounts For Your Holiday

You have to really apply the How to Get Hotel discounts to get the benefits of getting the lower price and you can also save money to buy things during your holiday. If you think that you can apply to get the military discounts on hotels then you can also make use of the chance to make your holiday perfectly done.

More Than How to Get Hotel discounts

The things that related to How to Get Hotel discounts will make your holiday more fun with the additional facilities and activities in the vocational places that you want to visit or you can also look for the information about Las Vegas hotel discounts and try the sensation of staying in the celebrity class hotel and enjoy the luxurious facilities inside the hotel during your holiday. So, there are many things that you can get in your holiday if you know How to Get Hotel discounts and enjoy the facilities.

When making a decision on the resort you’d like to visit for your family ski holiday, there are several key points which need to be considered:

Is the accommodation family friendly?
Are the ski areas child friendly?
How highly rated are the ski schools and childcare facilities?
What activities are on offer? Does the resort have enough going on to keep the whole family occupied?
What is the total journey time for getting to your final destination? Take into account the flight and transfer time from the airport to your accommodation, will your children become restless?
If you’re staying in catered accommodation, how flexible are the meal times for children and babies? Analyse the piste map and work out how easy it will be to ski back to your child’s nursery quickly if they are unsettled.

Check out our selection of some of the best ski resorts for a family ski holiday:

La Rosiere, France

Showcasing a warm and friendly atmosphere, this traditional Alpine village is world renowned for its fantastic childcare facilities and ski schools. The Les Club Des Galopins offers a huge range of activities suitable for both toddlers and older children. The family ski area is impressive, right on the French/Italian border, and the pistes run straight to the resort centre, virtually to the doorstep of many of the chalets. Family friendly activities within La Rosiere include dog sledding, snowmobiling and the cinema. The resort has been accredited with the prestigious Famille Plus Montagne quality label, certifying the resort’s commitment to providing the highest standards of services to families with children.

Les Arcs, France

This charming and quaint village enjoys a quiet and relaxed atmosphere which is perfect for families with young children. The La Chat Botte children’s club caters for children as young as 12 months old and is open seven days a week. The ski slopes offer plenty of choice for all standards and levels and the Vanoise Express double decker cable car connects Les Arcs to another highly family friendly resort, La Plagne. The apres ski scene is fairly low key, which is perfect for those with young children. The resort proudly holds the Famille Plus Montagne label and is constantly working to provide families with the very best facilities in childcare and entertainment.

Chamonix, France

Great for non-skiers and skiers alike, Chamonix is a year-round sightseeing destination thanks to its great attractions such as the Aiguille du Midi cable car (3842m) and the red cog-wheel train of Montenvers which climbs to the famous Mer de Glace. Snow-sure, the ski terrain is split into three areas all linked by an efficient shuttle bus service and a panoramic sightseeing train. In terms of childcare, this is mainly taken care of by the ski schools, who offer a winning combination of tuition and childcare for children aged three and older. Chamonix features an excellent range of activities to keep the whole family occupied, including the cinema, a sports

Mongolia, land of vast blue skies and the endless, rolling hills of the grassy steppe, is a land where sheepherders in traditional garb live side by side with young Mongolian tour guides sporting iPods and Louis Vuitton. Giant monuments to Genghis Kahn and his horse lords of old who prompted the building of the Great Wall of China stand watch over the country’s sparse population of peaceful shepherds and nomads.

Travelers willing to take on the rugged, largely untouched landscapes of Mongolia will be rewarded with some of the most one-of-a-kind travel experiences in the world. Below are the top five experiences not to be missed.

1. Stay a night in a nomadic family’s ger

Stay with a Mongolian family in a Ger

In Mongolian, the word ger means ‘home’, and with less than half the population living in city centers, many families rely on movable homes to maintain their nomadic lifestyle.

Mongolians are known for their hospitality in this often harsh land. Anywhere you venture outside the capital you’ll find Mongolian families willing to open up their homes for a hot cup of buttery milk tea, a shot or two of vodka around the fire and a warm place to sleep in one of the family gers.

The white circular tent-like structures are erected by draping thick wool blankets over a self-supporting lattice frame with a roof of intricately painted wooden beams.  A wood burning stove in the center of many gers keeps them toasty warm, even during Mongolia’s sub-zero winter temperatures.

Since most nomadic families make a living from their flocks, you’ll probably have the opportunity to learn about sheep, goat, horse, or camel herding, and if you’re lucky, you can even try your hand at milking a camel or horse.

2. Ride horses around Lake Hovsgul

See Hovsgul from a horse

Lake Hovsgul, a popular summer vacation destination with Mongolian tourists from the capital, is reminiscent of a European alpine lake, with crystal-clear waters and tree-lined shores. It takes about two weeks to circumnavigate the lake, Asia’s second largest fresh water body of water, and without roads, the only way to do it is on horseback.

The horse has held a revered spot in Mongolian culture since the days of Genghis Kahn and his horse lords who conquered much of the continent. The majestic animals, smaller in stature than those found in the West, provide milk, transportation, and occasionally meat to Mongolia’s residents both in the cities and in the countryside.

The traditional Mongolian saddle, made from wood, feels strange and uncomfortable to visiting riders, but at Lake Hovsgul, you can make your trek from the comfort of a Russian leather saddle. The path around the lake meanders through densely forested areas, as dim as dusk even in early afternoon, and along winding cliffs dropping off toward the turquoise waters of the lake. Along the way you may stumble upon a camp of reindeer herders from further north with their animals in tow, and at night, you’ll camp under a starlit sky with virtually no light pollution to mar the view.

3. Join the festivities of Naadam (summer festival) in the countryside

Celebrate Naadam

Each summer Mongolians from throughout the countryside make the journey to the capital city of Ulan Bator to witness the festival of Naadam. While the largest Naadam celebration in the capital is quite a spectacle with plenty of pomp and circumstance, visiting countryside Naadam festivals in the days leading up to the main celebration allows you to get closer to the action.

Read more: Top 5 Things to See and Do in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

During the festival, men face off in Mongolian wrestling matches while young boys race horses across the steppe. Men and women of all ages compete in archery, all to the sounds of local musicians playing two-string horsehair violins and drums. With an almost guaranteed ringside seat at the wrestling matches and viewing spot on the finish line of the horse races, you’ll be in position to feel the whoosh of wind as the racers speed by and catch the fried milk curds the winning wrestler throws out to the spectators for good luck.

During the lulls between events, contestants and spectators alike snack on hoshuur, a dough pouch filled with meat and onions and deep-fried, and sip on airag, a sour, yogurt-like beverage made from fermented mare’s milk.

4. Camel trek across the Gobi’s Singing Sands

Listen to the whistling sounds of the Singing Sands

The Gobi desert encompasses a huge swathe of land in southern Mongolia and northern China, but the 115 mile stretch of sand dunes are perhaps the most iconic symbol of the region. The Singing Sands (Khongoryn Els) earn their name from the eerie whistling sound caused by the winds of the Gobi blowing over the tiny grains of sand.

Signs of life are rare, aside from a few hardy, windblown shrubs scattered across the base of the dunes. The few residents who make their homes in the area rely on herds of camels for their livelihoods. The camel, native to the Gobi region, can travel over 100 miles without water.  Where your foot sinks right into the sand, making the task of traversing the dunes arduous, a camel’s broad, leathery feet spread out like snowshoes across the surface of the sand.

Unlike the jerky, bumpy experience of riding horseback, riding on a camel gives you the feeling of gliding over the dunes below as you relax into the gentle sway.

5. Learn to eagle hunt in the Altai Mountains

Eagle hunt in Altai Mountains

In the far reaches of western Mongolia in the Altai mountain range, the nomadic Kazakhs depend on golden eagles to hunt wildlife for sustenance. Young boys capture baby eagles from the nest and train them to hunt down rabbits, foxes, marmots, and sometimes wolves. A hunter will often work with the same eagle for nearly ten years before releasing it back into the wild.

While the trip overland from the capital to the Altai Mountains involves several days bumping along some of the worst road conditions imaginable, the rewards are plenty. Each year in October, when the weather cools down enough for the eagle hunters to descend from the high mountains, visitors can set out on horseback with a local eagle hunter to witness the early morning hunt. You’ll feel the weight of the 15-pound bird on your arm and maybe even help bring home a catch.

During the annual Eagle Hunting Festival, also in October, hunters gather for contests and demonstrations, and each day of the festival culminates in a celebration of traditional Kazakh dance and music.

– Lydia Schrandt

With claims of over 500 unique dishes, a world-renowned chef, and inspiration dating back to the Incas, Peru is emerging as the latest in global culinary hotspots. Ranging from the sweet taste of neon-colored Inca Kola, the savory tang of a lemon zested ceviche, and the just plain unusual look of a fully cooked Guinea Pig, enjoying a meal in Peru is an experience to remember. Here are nine mouthwatering dishes to tempt your tastebuds in Peru.

1. Lomo Saltado

Lomo Saltado

Pulling influence from the large Asian community residing in Peru, lomo saltado has become a signature dinnertime staple. Strips of sirloin steak are cooked in a wok, smothered in a soy sauce based layer and topped with onions, roasted vegetables and rice. Large steak fries complete the dish and taste even better doused in the lomo’s extra sauce. Taste one of the more renowned versions at Don Bosco in Lima’s Jesus Maria district. One dish will run you 15 soles, or less than six dollars!

2. Ceviche

Ceviche

Perhaps the most well known of all Peruvian dishes, ceviche takes on a whole new look and flavor in this country. Carefully selected pieces of fresh, raw fish are marinated in a lemon-based sauce, topped with onions, and served with a side of corn and sweet potato. While you can find this dish readily available throughout all of Peru, the coastal towns are naturally the prime spots to enjoy ceviche. Head to the often-overlooked fishing town of Chala on Peru’s Southern coast. For fewer than 20 soles ($8), try any of the town’s beachfront cafes for a plate of ceviche mixto that will introduce you to the true meaning of fresh fish.

3. Aji de Gallina

Aji de Gallina

Craving a meal of rich, buttery texture? Soft boneless chicken breast is smothered in a sauce of melted cheese, cream, grated nuts, and Peru’s traditional chili, aji to create the iconic dish of aji de gallina. Served with a mound of rice, half a boiled egg, and a side of olives, this dish is picture perfect with its yellow cream running across each plate. At celebrity chef Gaston Acurio’s restaurant chain Tanta, this dish will run you 29 soles, or roughly $11.

4. Picarones

Picarones

When your sweet tooth kicks in, head to Park Kennedy, the central attraction in Lima’s Miraflores neighborhood for a plethora of food cart options. Red-colored mobile shops sell all sorts of sweet varieties from freshly popped popcorn and churros, to slices of fruit. The star of the show however is the picarones truck. For just four soles enjoy these slices of squash and sweet potatoes, deep fried donut style and served piping hot with a thick helping of honeyed syrup. Endorsed by Ricardo Palma himself, picarones are the perfect snack for those lazy summer nights.

5. Pisco Sour

Pisco Sour

No meal would be complete without an accompanying cocktail, and when in Peru, you raise your glass with the Pisco sour. Long the source of a heated debate between Peru and Chile over the actual origin of the drink, the Pisco sour ignites a fierce sense of patriotic pride between both parties. Created with a base of Pisco, an alcohol derived from grapes and mixed with limejuice, bitters, and syrup, this cocktail makes one tangy sip. In typical nightlife fashion, this cocktail ranges in price depending on your location, but an average drink is 14 soles, or just five dollars. The secret ingredient? Egg whites are added to create that iconic, fluffy Pisco sour look.

6. Guinea Pig

Cuy

Travel is all about adventure, and the dining in Peru is no exception. When taking a risk on an all-Spanish menu, you may want to prepare yourself for the Andean delicacy, cuy. Served whole, you can expect an entire plate of roasted Guinea Pig, teeth included for 15 soles, or five dollars. Just make sure not to catch a glimpse of the live versions. Most restaurants usually tend their own farms of Guinea Pigs, often times keeping them in the very same kitchen your food has been prepared in. Still need some encouragement? Don’t miss the Peruvian version of The Last Supper on display in the Cathedral of Cusco. This version depicts Jesus and his disciples feasting on these very rodents.

7. Causa

Causa

One of Peru’s more artistic creations, causa can take on various shapes depending on its ingredients, and the mastery of its chef. Created by two sandwich layers of potato and filled with a variety of mixtures, this dish is the ideal blend of Peru’s renowned flavors. With filler options ranging from ceviche and lomo saltado to avocado and cheese, it’s easy to see why this dish has become a household staple. Throw together all your week’s leftovers and create your own original version at home. For the ultimate causa experience however, head to Lima’s Mi Causa, a restaurant that serves up a menu’s worth of varieties, all priced around 15 soles or five dollars.

8. Inca Kola

Inca Kola

Don’t let the neon yellow color fool you. Inca Kola has replaced Coca Cola’s popularity in Peru, so much so that the soft drink mega-company was forced to invest in this local beverage favorite. Drawing on the Peruvian’s love for anything linked to their illustrious history, and adding in a super sweet flavor (think less Coca Cola, and more Surge), Inca Kola has become a countrywide craze, and a source of national pride. For just 1.50 soles, you can pick up a bottle at the street carts lining almost every road in Peru.

9. Anticuchos

Anticuchos

Walking down the street of almost any city in Peru will grant you the warm, meaty smell of sizzling anticuchos. These slices of beef hearts are marinated and grilled to perfection, before being served shish kebab style. A plate of four skewers with a healthy serving of potatoes or corn will run you about 10 soles, or $4. The best part? These juicy mouthfuls are the perfect snack for a day on the run.

– Leora Novick

Whether you’re a health fanatic or just a curious traveler on the hunt for an adventure, biking is an ideal way to explore a city. There’s nothing quite like taking in the sights and sounds of a new destination as you whip past monuments, street vendors and public parks. Due to the increased popularity of urban biking, many cities have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make easily accessible bike lanes for travelers. So, the next time you find yourself in a bike-friendly city, skip the car rental and let your legs do the driving.

Here are 10 global cities that are best seen by bike.

1. Amsterdam

Tour the Dutch countryside on a bike!

Biking is almost synonymous with Amsterdam and those not walking around the city are probably biking along at a leisurely pace. Although bike lanes are often well-marked and located on the right side of roads, the streets can sometime get confusing to tourists, so it’s best to pick up a bike map with suggested routes from Amsterdam Tourist Offices. Most bike rental companies are centrally located in Central Station, Leidseplein and Sam Square and most tourists opt for the daily pass. Theft in Amsterdam is a common occurrence so it’s a good idea to lock your bike so someone doesn’t snatch it up.

Book an Amsterdam Bike Tour or read How to Cycle Like the Dutch in Amsterdam

2. Copenhagen

Denmark is known for its environmental friendly attitude, so it’s only natural that biking is a popular pastime for happy Danes. Travelers looking to cycle in style will find no better city than Copenhagen to put their best foot – or should I say wheel, forward.

The extensive amount of bike paths combined with the city’s bike-share program makes cycling more efficient than driving a car. There are 125 bike park areas where you can pick up a bike with a small and refundable deposit. Bikers can choose the type of path that interests them, including contemporary, national and historical routes. Make sure to stay in the city center if you are using rental bikes and avoid pedestrian-only streets.

3. Berlin

Bike along the Berlin Wall on a tour!

There’s a unique bike culture that is very much alive and thriving in Berlin. On any given morning one might spot a family biking to school or mothers hopping on their bike for a quick run to the market. Because so many locals use biking as a main mode of transportation, it’s important to follow the rules and stick to the bike lanes (and stay out of them when you’re not on two wheels).

There are bike rental kiosks throughout the city and if you plan on biking at night you must have lights displayed in the front and back of your bike and reflectors on the wheels.  The Berlin Mauerweg is a scenic route that takes you along the Berlin Wall, with a more off-the-beaten path route also available, or you can book a Berlin bike tour.

Watch: [VIDEO] Berlin Bike Tour: Berlin Wall and Cold War

4. Bogota

When it comes to biking in South America, Bogota is the best city to put your peddling skills to the test. The Colombian capital has the largest network of bicycle paths stretching over 186 miles, called ‘Ciclorutas’ in the country. Many streets are closed to cars on Sundays for the Ciclovia from 7am-2pm, leaving the paths open to runners, bikers and roller skaters. Bike rules in Bogota include wearing helmets, reflective vests and having reflective bike panels. Bicycles can be rented in the La Candelaria neighborhood but the less congested routes run through the northern part of the city.

5. Kyoto

Bikes in Kyoto – photo courtesy of Joe Murphy via Flickr

Biking through Kyoto, Japan avoids waiting in traffic jams and is a quick and easy way to see the famous monuments, which are mostly centrally located. The land is generally flat so cyclists won’t have to worry about trudging up steep hills. Unlike most other cities, Kyoto has few bike paths and peddlers must stay on the left side of the road. Make sure you leave your bike in an official bike parking spot or else run the risk of it being picked up by Kyoto City officials.

Several companies rent bikes to tourists, most costing from 1,000-3,000 Yen per day, or you can book a Kyoto bike tour. Popular routes include a seven mile ride from downtown to Arashiyama, which passes by many historic temples and an eleven mile ride along the Kamo River to Fushimi.

6. Beijing

The roads in Beijing are flat and daily rentals are relatively cheap, making this city ideal for travelers hoping to escape the chaotic roads or crowded public transit. There are special lanes designed just for bikers, allowing for easy navigation around the city; although due to the heavy traffic and road conditions, Beijing is not the place to bike fast.

Bike theft does happen, so getting a durable lock is highly recommended. Rentals are located throughout the city, especially around park entrances and subway stations, including the Dongcheng, Xicheng and Chaoyang Districts. Rental costs are low but deposits are higher since there’s nothing to be done if a bike goes missing.

Book a Beijing bike tour!

7. Portland

Much like Amsterdam and Copenhagen, Portland has become increasingly bike-friendly with an impressive amount of bike lanes and trails and a thriving culture of bike enthusiasts. The city even boasts a bike-themed brewpub. The downtown area is slightly more difficult to navigate but bike maps are easily accessible and offer advice on scenic paths through the city’s many green spaces. Portland’s 1.5 mile Eastbank Esplanade is a scenic and leisurely route that gives you view of the skyline.

8. Barcelona

Tour Barcelona on a bike!

Travelers who find themselves in sunny Barcelona most likely have the beach on their minds, which is a scenic downhill trail. The city offers “bicing” (community bicycle program), but is only for residents, meaning that tourists must rent bikes elsewhere. Green Bikes Barcelona, Baja Bikes Rental and Funky Cycle are three such companies with affordable hourly rates. Since the trek from the beach back to downtown is uphill, many bikers opt to take the subway to their starting point.

9. Trondheim

One interesting concept implemented in Trondheim is the world’s first Bicycle Lift, or “Trampe” as it’s called in Norway. The very hilly Norwegian city doesn’t let travelers get fatigued on their way up the mountains. Instead, bikers can simply take a lift, much like one does on a ski slope, to the top of the mountain and bike down at their own pace.

The city has 125 rentable bikes with a maximum of three hour limit. The twelve bike racks are scattered throughout the city center and open from 6am until midnight, May through October. A small fee is required to release the bike from the locked rack. The Kristiansten Fortress is accessible via a bike lift and offers a stunning view of the city.

10. Paris

See Paris or Versailles on a bike!

Renting a bike in Paris is painless as the city has the Vélib’ bike-rental program, which has over 20,000 bikes and 1,800 pick up and drop-off points. These are found at any metro station or where there is a “borne” (stand) of bikes. The first half hour is free and in true Parisian fashion, the bikes themselves are rather futuristic in design. Biking through the Latin Quarter’s narrow streets can get crowded but the nearby Odeon district is more bike-friendly and scenic.

If you feel particularly energetic, the ride to Versailles is about 10 miles and goes through woods, quiet streets and park areas.

- Megan McDonough

Quebec is one such fascinating city which is a great locale which boasts of a thousand kinds of attraction and which give you the greatest travel pleasures. So while you are here just get into this land of the greatest visual delights and bask in the glory of being in a land of surprises.

Go to the Quebec Aquarium and enjoy the sights that this lovely place has to offer. Situated very near the Bridge of Quebec or the Pont de Quebec this is undoubtedly the best place to visit in this part of the world and the most magnificent tourist experience.

Then there is the most interesting wildlife to be seen like the sight of the harp seals, walruses, polar bears. Go on the exciting tour of the underwater tunnel here and see the Sea World at San Diego.

Then you have the Quebec’s citadel to visit. Also called the Citadels de Quebec this is a fascinating place to be in for all history lovers. See the beautiful grounds covered with the majestic fortress cannons and the heavy artillery guns, and get enthralled by the beautiful sights here such as the Sicile building where there are many artifacts on display. Also see the loveliest medals and guns.

There is a change of guard event that is held by the soldiers here and these belong to the Royal 22nd Regiment and the whole thing is very akin to the change of guards at the Buckingham Palace in London.

Visit the Museum of Civilization and see the lovely attractions that are culturally viable here. Also called the Musee de la civilization this is another beautiful tourist sight and is a must see. Here you would learn a lot about the French settlements and the formation of this lovely and fascinating city of Quebec. In the museum you can see a lot of artifacts and also totems, besides a fire brigade carriage replica. The collections of guitar of Michel Rivard, and a Senegal African drum are the major displays in the museum.

Then visit the Ursulines Museum which is another interesting place to be in. Known as the Musee des Ursulines de Quebec, this is situated in the vicinity of the Museum of Civilization and is another must see in the city of Quebec. Here one comes to know about the Catholic Church, its history and also see the lovely embroidery lace works which are so typical of this place.

The Morrin Centre is another interesting place where one gets to see the best history of this place and can also know about this first ever prison in the city of Quebec.

Then as you go around you would also see Egyptian mummies, weapon collections and a stuffed black bear. There is a very beautiful library room and there are tours around old prison cells. Overall a very fulfilling experience and a must see if you are touring around Quebec.

Also see the National Museum of fine Arts where you get the best display of fine arts. Known as the Musee national des beaux arts du Quebec, this is a great place to be in and it is very relaxing to be surrounded by such talent. Situated in the Battlefields Park this has three buildings and it is the Charles Baillairge Building which has many collections on Inuit Art.

With more places to see, Quebec is certainly a nice place to be in and is a must see in the tour of fascinating cities in the world.

Situated in the Pigalle district near Montmartre, back then it offered a place that people from all walks of society could meet for some song and dance. Cabaret really had its birth here in the dancing girls and singing – light operetta and showgirls. In 1915 it was destroyed by fire and in 1921 it was rebuilt. After the second world war when Paris was liberated, Edith Piaf sang there. The Moulin Rouge has a long and wonderful history and is deservedly a Paris icon.

See a show and try new menus through March 2012 at the Moulin Rouge

These days, with its distinctive red windmill on the roof and the richly elegant turn-of-the-century decor, it’s the perfect place for a night’s entertainment. And right now, it has the extra attraction of a new, special menu until the end of March 2012.

The kitchens have been put in the safe hands of an equally historic gastronomic house famous in France called Maison Dalloyau. Established in 1682, Dallyou is known throughout France for its pastries, chocolates and dinners and has been in the same family for its whole 300-plus year history, and they used to prepare banquets for Louis XIV. Because Dalloyau are joining forces with the Moulin Rouge for these special few months it is causing quite a stir in Paris and makes a visit during this time even more special.

There are several menus available including the ‘Toulouse-Lautrec’, the Moulin Rouge ‘Opera’ and the Belle Epoque involving duck, lobster, steak and wonderful desserts. Make sure you book well in advance. And leave room for the chocolate wings or crispy chocolate pearls – Maison Dalloyau’s sweet treats are not to be missed.

Find Moulin Rouge show and dinner tickets at Viator.com.

- Philippa Burne

1. Visit Central Park

Central Park is nice at all times of the year!

Taking up 843 acres in the center of Manhattan, Central Park is a natural oasis that provides daily respite for visitor and locals alike. Bounded by Harlem, Midtown, and the Upper East and West sides, Central Park is filled with lakes, ponds, jogging paths, fountains, woodlands, monuments, concert stages, and massive green spaces under the sun.

Enjoy an afternoon in sunny Sheep’s Meadow or plying the lake in a rowboat. You’ll discover some of the best people-watching at Bethesda Fountain and on the Mall, where jugglers, skaters, and musicians entertain visitors year-round. Stroll the winding paths around the reservoir, over the Bow Bridge, or along the grassy hillsides. Visit the John Lennon memorial gardens at Strawberry Fields; across the street is Lennon’s former home in the Dakota apartment building.

Families will find much fun here, too. Climb to the top of Belvedere Castle for a view over the wooded Ramble, a popular photo opportunity, or take a spin on the Carousel. The Central Park Zoo is always a favorite, especially for a glimpse of sea lions frolicking about during feeding time. If you’re here in winter, you can ice skate at Wolman Rink. In summer, SummerStage cooks with weekly performances from top local and national acts, while Shakespeare in the Park draws crowds for its star-studded performances.

What’s great about Central Park is that no matter how busy it is, there’s always plenty of space to get away from it all.

2. Eat, Eat, Eat!

New York City is the food capital of the world, and this city of immigrants serves up an eclectic plate of flavors in every place from hole-in-the-wall pizzerias to elegant dining rooms with world-renowned chefs. You can pick out your lobster from the tanks in front of Chinatown restaurants or splash out on sushi in minimalist surroundings in Midtown. Even street food is tasty: pizza by the slice, hot dogs, pretzels, bagels with a smear of cream cheese, and a plethora of ethnic eats.

Head to Greenwich Village for steak frites and people watching at a French bistro, or indulge your appetite (and wallet) with fine culinary creations in one of Jean-Georges restaurants. Pizza is always a favorite, whether eating at Lombardi’s or John’s in Manhattan, or making the trek to Grimaldi’s in Brooklyn. Brunch is a New York specialty, be it pastries and iced tea in the smart sidewalk cafés of the Upper East Side or spicy huevos rancheros and syrupy Cuban coffee from an authentic East Village cantina. You’ll be happy to know you won’t go hungry.

3. See a Broadway Show

There’s something about seeing a blockbuster performance on Broadway. It’s walking through the bright lights of Times Square or a pre-show dinner at a bistro in the Theater District. It’s sitting in some of the most opulent settings imaginable, where lavish sets and creative costumes, romantic heroines and dashing heroes transport you into a fantasy world of Disney extravaganzas, splashy musicals, and tingling dramas.

Don’t miss a Broadway show when you’re in NYC!

New shows open in the autumn but you can see plenty of long-running performances, such as The Lion King at the Minskoff Theater, Mamma Mia! at the Winter Garden Theater, and Phantom of the Opera at the historic Majestic Theatre. Other long-running shows include Billy Elliot, Chicago, and Mary Poppins. It’s a must-do New York City experience. Most shows have matinee and evening performances.

4. Go on a Sightseeing Tour

One of the best ways to learn about New York City and get oriented in the process is to take a sightseeing tour. The Big Apple offers many different tours, from general to specialty, and on many different forms of transportation, from boat to helicopter. See iconic highlights like Central Park, the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and the World Trade Center site via bus and boat on the New York in One Day Sightseeing Tour. Take to the skies for a Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York for a view of Ellis Island, the Chrysler Building, and Central Park from above. A New York City Hop-on Hop-off Tour enables you to create your own sightseeing itinerary, complete with a lively tour guide in tow.

For specialty tours, bring your appetite for a New York Dinner Cruise, where you can eat, dance, and watch a skyline sunset. Other specialty tours include World Trade Center Walking Tour, a Sex and the City Hotspots Tour, a Harlem Soul Food and Jazz Evening Tour, and a New York City Original Rock ‘n’ Roll Walking Tour.

5. Explore the Museum of Modern Art

See the famous Starry Night at MoMA

The coolest looking museum in New York City, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a pretty impressive space. The museum’s 2004 renovation, designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, presents a stunning venue to view art, with a smart balance of space and light, high ceilings, gardens, and open rooms. Inside this extraordinary space is where you’ll see Monet’s Water Lilies, van Gogh’s Starry Night, and standout cutting edge works by Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dali, and Frida Kahlo.

Outside, you can relax in Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, the site of occasional special events. The gift shop is worth spending some time in, too, as you can find many unique prints, books, jewelry, and gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Special exhibitions and events are held throughout the year.

- William Travis

Want to throw a party at one of the hottest hotels in New York City and have an unobstructed view of the Empire State Building while you count down the minutes to 2012? How about a free room to sweeten the offer?

The Top Of The Strand, located in the Strand Hotel NYC, has one of the best New Year’s Eve deals in town: Book the entire lounge and they will waive room rental for groups of up to 80 persons. Talk about stay and play.

Recently named 2011’s “Best View from a Rooftop Bar” by Time Out New York, The Top Of The Strand is the perfect place to usher in the New Year in style. The ultra-chic lounge was designed by Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada set designer Lydia Marks and features a sleek bar serving top-shelf liquor and custom cocktails, comfortable lounges and day beds all done in gorgeous Ralph Lauren fabrics. But don’t be caught sitting in one place too long – get up and enjoy the breathtaking views of the New York City skyline that are visible from every angle of the lounge.

If your New Year’s Eve needs an upgrade and you’re interested in a party at the Top of the Strand, call 646-368-6385 or email info@topofthestrand.com. Please note that A $6,000.00 bar minimum is required for the evening. All prices are per person and subject to an 18% service charge and 8.875% sales tax. Maximum capacity 80 persons. Bookings must be completed by December 25, 2011. Reserve early to make sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity to make the last night of 2011 an unforgettable one.

Opened in 2009, The Strand Hotel is New York’s first fashion hotel. The fashion theme is continued throughout the hotel in an homage to the glamor and elegance of Old Hollywood. Most notable are the New York City views from all 177 guestrooms; true New York City-scapes including legendary water towers and the Empire State building. The Top of the Strand is a hip urban retreat that brings together Manhattan and Nikki Beach, with a luxurious lounge area that offers an inviting sanctuary in the heart of the city.

The Top Of The Strand
The Strand Hotel NYC
33 West 37th Street
New York, NY 10018
212.448.1024

Photo Credit: The Strand Hotel NYC