Luxury Travel - Part 3

Luxury Hotels in Stuttgart

There are three five star hotels in Stuttgart, and all of them are located in the central area of town and within walking distance of the main rail station (Hauptbahnhof), the Opera, the University of Applied Sciences, and the Staatstheater.

Althoff Hotel am Schlossgarten, Schillerstr. 23, 70173 Stuttgart

Le Meridien Stuttgart, Willy-Brandt-Str. 30, 70173 Stuttgart

Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin: This is the closest five star hotel to the Hauptbahnhof, as it’s located right across the street from it.

Arnulf-Klett-Platz 7, 70173 Stuttgart

Luxury Hotels in Munich

Bayerischer Hof: This 5-star hotel is located in a fashionable area of downtown Munich and is located within walking distance of attractions like the Hofbräuhaus, the Frauenkirche, and Marienplatz. It offers an assortment five restaurants to appeal to a variety of tastes, along with six bars, and has a spa with a rooftop swimming pool. One of the best hotels in Munich.

Promenadeplatz 2-6, 80333 Munich

Beyond by Geisel: This is one of Munich’s newest luxury hotels, having been converted from what was recently several floors of a Hugendubel bookshop. You can’t get closer to Marienplatz than this, as it’s right on Marienplatz with views of the City Hall on the opposite side. The Frauenkirche, Hofbräuhaus, Viktualienmarkt, and Maximilienstrasse are only a few minutes walk away.

Marienplatz 22, 80331 Munich

Hotel München Palace: The München Palace is located in Bogenhausen, an upscale residential area of Munich near München Ost rail station and the Englisher Garten. The hotel is a short walk to Max-Weber-Platz underground station, from which downtown Munich is only a ten-minute ride. The trains run every five minutes during the morning and evening rush hours, and every ten minutes at other times.

Trogerstrasse 21, 81675 Munich

Hotel Königshof: The Hotel Königshof is right across the street from Karlsplatz, which leads to Munich’s main shopping street, and only one block from Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof).

Karlsplatz 25, 80335 Munich

Le Meridien Munich: This is one of the closest hotels to Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), and a five-minute walk from the Theresienwiese where the Oktoberfest is held.

Bayerstrasse 41, 80335 Munich

Louis Hotel: The Louis Hotel is right next to the Viktualienmarkt, which also means being a few minutes walk from Marienplatz, Maximilienstrasse, Rezidenz Palace, the Bavarian State Opera, and the Deutsches Museum.

Viktualienmarkt 6, 80331 Munich

Mandarin Oriental Munich: A cozy and luxurious hotel located just around the corner from the Hofbräuhaus, and a stone’s throw from Marienplatz and Isartor.

Neuturmstrasse 1, 80331 Munich

Rocco Forte The Charles Hotel: The Charles Hotel is another of Munich’s newer luxury hotels. It overlooks the Old Botanic Garden and is a five-minute walk from the main train station. Königsplatz and the Pinakotheken museums are also a short walk away, along with Munich’s main shopping area.

Sophienstrasse 28, 80333 Munich

Roomers Munich, Autograph Collection: This modern five star hotel is only a 16-minute walk from the Theresienwiese where the Oktoberfest is held.

Landsbergerstrasse 68, 80339 Munich

Sofitel Munich Bayerpost: This is the closest five star hotel to Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), being right next door.

Bayerstrasse 12, 80335 Munich

Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München: This 5-star hotel is located right on the Maximilianstrasse, a shopping street with offerings like Cartier, Dior, and Tiffany. It’s located right around the corner from the Residenz Palace, the Hofgarten, and Marienplatz. If you come at the beginning of the Oktoberfest and you book a room that overlooks the Maximilianstrasse, you can watch the Oktoberfest parades from your hotel room.

Maximilianstrasse 17, 80539 Munich

The Westin Grand Munich: The Westin Grand is just around the corner from the Hypo-Haus in Bogenhausen. It offers a traditional Bavarian tavern with a biergarten amongst its restaurants

Arabella Strasse 6, 81925 Munich

The closest hotels to Munich Airport

Luxury Hotels in Paris

As Paris is a city which is widely associated with glamour, it has five star hotels to please any taste. Converted historical palaces, gleaming modern accomodations, and cozy boutique hotels are scattered thoughout the city. Whether you’re visiting Paris for shopping, visiting its museums and landmarks, or for business reasons, there’s probably a luxury hotel to relax in within a few blocks.

1st Arrondissement

Castille Paris: A boutique five star hotel next to the Maison Chanel on the rue Cambon, a quiet side street off of the rue de Rivoli. The Jardin des Tuileries and the Musee du Jeu de Palme are at the end of the street.

33-37 rue Cambon, 75001 Paris

Grand Hotel du Palais Royal: One of the closest five star hotels to the Louvre and the Comedie Francaise.

4 rue de Valois, 75001 Paris

Hotel du Louvre: As its name suggests, the Hotel du Louvre is right around the corner from the Louvre Museum and the Louvre des Antiquaires.

Place Andre Malraux, 75001 Paris

Hotel Le Meurice: The Hotel Le Meurice is the oldest luxury hotel in Paris, dating back to 1835 at its current location on the Rue de Rivoli across the street from the Jardin des Tuileries. Other nearby attractions are the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde, and the Place Vendome.

228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

Le Burgundy Paris: The Le Burgundy is in the Place-Vendome area and within walking distance of the Champs-Elysées, the rue Saint Honore, and the Jardin des Tuileries.

6-8 rue Duphot, 75001 Paris

Mandarin Oriental Paris: One of Paris’ younger 5-star hotels, the Mandarin Oriental opened in 2011 and is located just steps from the Place Vendome. Amongst the room offerings are a three-bedroom penthouse suite with two terraces and its own private gym, and a duplex suite with an upstairs bedroom.

251 Rue Saint-Honore, 75001 Paris

Nolinski Paris: As it just opened in July 2016, the Nolinski Paris is one of Paris’ youngest 5-star hotels. It’s within easy walking distance of the Musee de l’Orangerie, the Louvre, and the Jardin des Tuileries, amongst other attractions.

16 Avenue de l’Opera, 75001 Paris

Ritz Paris: One of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Ritz Paris is located right on the Place Vendome and a few steps from Notre Dame Cathedral.

15 Place Vendome, 75001 Paris

The Westin Paris Vendome: This hotel is across the street from the Jardin des Tuileries. The Place de la Concorde is less than half a mile away going in one direction and the Louvre is less than half a mile going in the other.

3 rue de Castiglione, 75001 Paris

2^nd Arrondissement

Park Hyatt Paris Vendome: This Hyatt location is within walking distance of the Louvre, the Place Vendome, and the Opera House. It has four restaurants, one of which is located in a courtyard. Amongst its accomodation offerings are 43 suites, including 3 Presidential Suites. The Vendome, Presidential, and Imperiale Suites include a Jacuzzi and at least one balcony. The Presidential and Imperiale Suites also come with a private gym, spa, and kitchenette.

5 rue de la Paix, 75002 Paris

6^th Arrondissement

Hotel Bel Ami: The artsy and modern Hotel Bel Ami is in the Saint Germain area and is within walking distance of the Louvre and the Latin Quarter.

7-11 rue Saint Benoit, 75006 Paris

L’Hotel: A historic hotel in the Saint-Germain area which is famous as the hotel where Oscar Wilde died. It’s within walking distance of the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, and Notre Dame cathedral.

13 rue des Beaux-Arts, 75006 Paris

Hotel Lutetia: The historic Hotel Lutetia is within walking distance of Le Bon Marche, which is one of the first department stores that ever opened and is considered to be one of the best in France. Across the street from Le Bon Marche is the gourmet grocery store La Grand Epicerie de Paris. La Grande Epicerie has a wide assortment of foods from all over France. It’s an especially good place for wine lovers, as it offers an assortment of 6,500 varieties.

45 Boulevard Raspail, 75006 Paris

7^th Arrondissement

Hotel Pont Royal: The Hotel Pont Royal is located in the Saint Germaine area of Paris and is a stone’s throw from the Musee d’Orsay, the Jardin des Tuileries, the Louvre, and the Musee de l’Orangerie.

5-7 Rue De Montalembert, 75007 Paris

8^th Arrondissement

Four Seasons Hotel George V: This magnificent 5-star hotel is just around the corner from the Champs-Elysees and the Golden Triangle, which houses boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, and Dior. Some of the rooms offer a good view of the Eiffel Tower.

31 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris

Hotel Barriere Le Fouquet’s: Located right on the corner of the Champs-Elysees and Avenue George V. One of its three restaurants is the famous Fouquet’s, which serves gourmet French food.

46 avenue George V, 75008 Paris

Hotel de Crillon: The Hotel de Crillon is housed in a recently- renovated royal palace dating from the 18^th century right on the Place de la Concorde.

10 Place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris

Hotel de Sers: This contemporary hotel is only a few minutes walk from the Champs-Elysees. Amongst its room offerings is a seventh-floor apartment with two terraces which starts at 1799 euros.

41 Avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, 75008 Paris

The Hotel du Collectionneur: A 10-minute walk from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees.

51-57 rue de Courcelles, 75008 Paris

Hotel Lancaster: Having been converted into a hotel from a mansion, the Hotel Lancaster combines the amenities of a luxury hotel with the atmosphere of a private home. It’s located just off of the Champs-Elysees near the intersection with the Avenue George V.

7 rue de Berrie, 75008 Paris

Hotel Le Bristol Paris: This hotel often has world leaders as guests, as it’s in the next block from Elysee Palace. The Le Bristol offers some of the largest rooms and suites in Paris, including a Terrace Suite with a Jacuzzi.

112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, 75008 Paris

Hotel Napoleon Paris: The Hotel Napoleon is practically right next door to the Arc de Triomphe. Its rooms and suites are decorated with comfy furnishings reminiscent of Napoleon’s era.

40 avenue de Friedland, 75008 Paris

Hotel San Regis: One of Paris’ cozier luxury hotels, the Hotel San Regis is housed in a 19^th century mansion on a quiet side street near the Golden Triangle, Grand Palais, and Petit Palais. It’s restaurant, Les Confidances du San Regis, offers French food under a glass-covered courtyard and seating on comfortable sofa-like benches. The accomodations include a two-bedroom suite which would be suitable for a family traveling together. If you want a room with a view of the Eiffel Tower, it can be had from the balcony of the deluxe junior suite.

12 rue Jean Goujon , 75008 Paris

La Tremoille: The La Tremoille is housed in a 19^th century building that has been serving as a hotel since 1925. It’s less than a mile from the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.

14 rue de la Tremoille, 75008 Paris

Paris Marriott Hotel Champs-Elysees: This is the only hotel which is right on the Champs-Elysees, and it’s also located right on the Golden Triangle with its collection of luxury brands.

70 avenue des Champs-Elysees, 75008 Paris

Plaza Athenee: Located in Paris’ Golden Triangle on the Avenue Montaigne, the Plaza Athenee might be a good choice for those who are on a shopping trip in Paris. This hotel is just a few steps away from fashion boutiques like Dior, Chanel, Fendi, Versace, Louis Vuitton, and Armani. The hotel’s five restaurants include offerings like French cuisine and fancy pastry, along with a bar. Along with a fitness center and Dior spa, there’s an ice skating rink during the winter. The room offerings include views of the Eiffel Tower and views over the courtyard restaurant, which is surrounded by ivy-covered walls.

25 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris

Sofitel Paris le Faubourg: A cozy hotel in a quiet side street which os just around the corner from the Place de la Concorde, Jardin des Tuileries, Musee de l’Orangerie, Musee du Jeu de Palme, and across the river from the Musee d’Orsay.

15 rue Boissy d’Anglas 75008 Paris

9^th Arrondissement

InterContinental Paris le Grand Hotel: This historic hotel is 30 meters from the Palais Garnier which houses the Paris Opera.

2 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris

W Paris Opera: Housed in a 19^th century bank, the W Paris Opera is located right across the street from the Palais Garnier. Other attractions within walking distance are the Galeries Lafayette department store and the Fragonard Musee du Parfum.

4 rue Meyerbeer, 75009 Paris

16^th Arrondissement

Majestic Hotel Spa: The rue La Perouse is just around thr corner from the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Elysees. The Eiffel Tower is a 15-minute walk away.

30 rue La Perouse, 75016 Paris

Molitor Paris: The Molitor surrounds a large outdoor swimming pool which is part of the outside view of most of the rooms. There’s also an indoor swimming pool and a large spa offering yoga classes. It’s within walking distance of the Roland Garros Stadium, the Parc des Princes Stadium, and the Bois de Boulogne.

2 avenue la Porte Molitor, 75016 Paris

The Peninsula Paris: This 5 star hotel is housed in a building which was previously known as the Hotel Majestic. It’s located on the Avenue Kleber, which is one of the streets that radiates out from the Arc de Triomphe, just around the corner from the Champs-Elysees. The room offerings include rooftop terrace suites with views of the Eiffel Tower, along with suites with formal dining rooms and even a piano.

19 Avenue Kleber, 75116 Paris

Shangri-La Hotel Paris: The Shangri-La is housed in the former home of Roland Bonaparte and is located near the Jardins du Trocadero.

10 avenue d’lena, 75016 Paris

Chantilly

Chantilly is a quiet town which is located 24 miles (38 km) from Paris. It can serve equally well as a base from which to visit Paris, or as a destination on its own. The Chateau de Chantilly contains one of the largest art galleries in France, and there are also a number of tourist attractions related to horse racing.

Tiara Chateau Hotel Mont Royal Chantilly: A large chateau surrounded by a forest is home to this five-star hotel.

Allee des Marronniers, Route de Plailly, 60520 La Chapelle-en-Serval, France

La Defense/Puteaux

La Defense is a business complex of skyscrapers right outside of Paris. Some of the companies which are based there include Total and Aventis.

Sofitel Paris La Defense: This Sofitel location is right in the La Defense complex and is only a few steps from the Esplanade de la Defense metro station.

33 voie des Sculptures, 92800 Puteaux

Should I Go to Graceland?

The question of whether or not to visit Graceland can be a controversial issue. Some people say that it was the best experience of their lives, while others complain about hours stood in the heat, high ticket prices, and rude employees. Graceland has recently made some major changes, and these are a few things to consider about going:

First, the tickets can be really expensive. The lowest-priced ticket is nearly $40 for the mansion-only ticket, and that can only be bought online. The prices go up to a VIP tour for over $150 dollars. If you drive to Graceland, there’s a $10 parking fee on top of that.

Once you’ve bought the tickets, it can be hours before you can get in the house. Visitors are often assigned a designated time for entering which could be hours after they buy the ticket. When you go to stand in line, they insist on taking your photo next to a banner. Some people might have privacy concerns about Graceland taking, and possibly storing, their photos.

The VIP tickets let you skip a lot of lines, but some of the VIP ticket holders find themselves waiting anyway on days when a lot of VIP tickets have been sold.

When the time comes for your tour, it starts by standing in a long line to watch a brief film about Elvis, and then there’s another long line to get on the shuttle bus to take you across the street to the mansion. Once you’re across the street, there might be another line to get inside. Some visitors have spent hours just standing in these lines.

The tour through the house itself will partly depend on how many other visitors there are that day. Some people experience having hardly any time to look at the rooms, while the employees shout at them to move along. On the other hand, those who come during less crowded times felt almost as though they had the house to themselves.

Graceland isn’t as big as one might expect. It’s roughly the size of a McMansion in an upper middle class suburb. Only the downstairs area is open for tours, along with a TV room and billiard room which are located in the basement. The basement rooms aren’t accessible for wheelchairs and walkers.

The mansion tour also includes the racquetball building and Vernon Presley’s office. The meditation garden is still included. However, the trophy room no longer houses Elvis’ collection of gold records and his stage costumes. These have been moved across the street to the new entertainment complex. If you have a mansion-only ticket, they cost extra to see.

The shuttle bus takes you back across the street after the mansion tour. Remember the photos that Graceland insisted on taking of you earlier? You’ll be accosted with them when you get off the bus, and they’ll try to sell you the photos (that you never requested) for $35.

Along with the gold records, the entertainment complex displays Elvis’ car collection and an assortment of exhibits that have been in storage. There’s a diner and a BBQ restaurant which are named after Elvis’ parents. The aircraft are still on display across the street as well, even though there was a scare that they might be removed from Graceland.

Once you’ve finished visiting the Graceland exhibits, it’s really not a good idea to explore the area around Graceland, especially after dark. The neighborhood has become somewhat run-down and dangerous in the years since Elvis’ death.

Graceland is an important historical site associated with one of the major musicians of the 20^th century, and might well be worth a visit. At the same time, it has pitfalls which one should be aware of when making the decision whether or not to visit.

Mittenwald

If you’re looking for a base from which to explore the Alps, the scenic village of Mittenwald is worth considering. It takes less than two hours to get here from Munich by train, and the trains run frequently. Mittenwald has decoratively painted houses, surrounded by the mountains, and covered with the wide Bavarian sky.

Basic Facts

Things to Do

Where to Stay

Basic Facts

Population: 7,400

Climate: Generally the same as Munich’s, only a bit chillier and with a bit more precipitaion.

How to Get Here: Regional trains leave from Munich’s main train station (Hauptbahnhof) once an hour.

Things to Do

Museums

Geigenbaumuseum Mittenwald (Violin Making Museum): Mittenwald has a tradition of making violins dating back to the 17^th century. This museum chronicles its history and is housed in a tradtional Bavarian workshop.

Ballenhausgasse 3, 82481 Mittenwald

Where to Stay

Mid-Range Hotels

Post Hotel: A 4-star hotel which is a short walk from Mittenwald train station and close to skiing and hiking trails.

Karwendelstrasse 14, 82481 Mittenwald

Holiday Apartments/Flats

Romantische 5-Sterne Ferienwohnungen (Romatic 5-Star Holiday Apartments): These holiday apartments are a short walk from the town center and offer mountain views and a free pick-up from Mittenwald train station.

Tiefkarstrasse 19, 82481 Mittenwald

Why the Winter is a Good Time to Visit Europe

Most people associate traveling to Europe with the warmer seasons of the year. However, the winter is well worth considering for a number of reasons. Hotels and airlines often have much lower off-season rates during this time. Also, many of the tourist attractions aren’t so crowded. Some places in Europe have nicer weather during the winter. It’s fairly mild in Mediterranean destinations, unlike during the boiling summer.

Some of the winter events in Europe are the Christmas markets and the Mardi Gras celebrations. The Christmas markets in Germany usually start on the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent, and continue until around 1 pm on Christmas Eve.

The main Christmas market in Munich features a Christmas tree which is as tall, or taller, than the four-storey City Hall behind it. It’s surrounded by wooden huts offering goods like wooden and glass Christmas tree ornaments, nativity scenes, and snacks ranging from roasted almonds to glazed fruit to bratwurst rolls. The scent of warm mulled wine hovers in the air.

Although it’s not as major as Christmas, Mardi Gras is another notable season. Many cities host parades in the days leading up to it. Two of the major ones are in Mainz and in Venice. If you come during this season, be prepared to see a lot of costumed people in the streets.

One has to pack a bit more clothing for a winter visit than a summer one. Although Europe hasn’t been getting as much snow these past few years as it used to, a pair of shoes with thick rubber soles with a good grip is advisable. Even if you’re going to a milder part of Europe, a winter jacket will probably also be needed. Winter temperatures can go down below freezing in Madrid, and to 13° C (44° F) in Athens. An umbrella and some warm sweaters and heavy woolen socks would also be good to pack.

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Memphis

Beale Street, Graceland, and Sun Studios are some of the attractions from Memphis’ musical history which are visited by people from around the world. Memphis also has a number of museums and a riverboat ride which make it a good idea for a weekend getaway.

Basic Facts

Things to Do

Where to Stay

Basic Facts

Population: 647,000

Climate: The summers are usually very hot, with temperatures regularly going above 90° F (32° C). Unless you’re an Elvis fan who must be there for Elvis Week in August, I would advise against visiting Memphis between mid-May to mid-September for this reason. The best seasons for Memphis are the spring and the fall. The winter is worth considering as a time to visit. Although it gets cold, snow and ice are rare.

Airports: Memphis International Airport is the main airport. It’s in the southern part of the city itself, and about a ten-minute drive from Graceland. Unlike most major airports, this one isn’t miles away from the city it serves. General DeWitt Spain is a general aviation airport located in downtown Memphis near the Mississippi river.

Getting around in Memphis: Although Memphis has a public transportation system, it’s hard to get around without a car. There aren’t a lot of taxi stands, and if you call a taxi company, it can take hours to turn up, if it turns up at all. Ironically, the same taxi companies have been fighting a battle to stop companies like Uber from offering services in Memphis.

Things to Do

Graceland: Memphis’ main tourist attraction which attracts visitors from around the world is the one must-see sight in the city. The Southern colonial mansion is still decorated with the furnishings from when Elvis lived there. The tickets are sold across the street from the house, and the visitors are driven to the mansion in shuttle buses. An audio tour first leads you past Elvis’ living and dining rooms, before taking you into a mirrored TV room and then past the jungle room.

Once you leave the house, you’re shown a number of other buildings on the property, one of which houses a biographical exhibit , and another one which houses an indoor racquetball court. The tour ends in the garden where Elvis and a number of his relatives are buried.

There are numerous Elvis atttractions across the street from Graceland. Two of his private jets are on display, along with a large new entertainment complex with more exhibits.

3734 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38116

Sun Studio: Elvis made his first record and was discovered here. Many other famous musicians also recorded here in the 50s, including Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison. If you travel between downtown Memphis and Graceland, you’ll go past Sun Studio on the way.

706 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum: Located in the FedEx Forum stadium in downtown Memphis, this museum chronicles the history of Memphis music from the 1930s to the 1970s.

191 Beale Street, Memphis, TN

Pink Palace Museum: This science and history museum in midtown Memphis is housed in a mansion which once belonged to the man who invented supermarkets. One of the exhibits is a replica of the first self-serve supermarket. Some of the other exhibits are about the yellow fever epidemic that hit Memphis in the 19^th century, circuses, and dinosaurs. The museum also has a planetarium and an Imax theater.

3050 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art: The largest art museum in Tennessee features works from the Renaissance to the 20^th century. It has over 7,000 works by both European and American artists. As it’s located in Overton Park, it might be an idea to also plan a visit to this museum if you’re visiting the zoo.

1934 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 39804

Dixon Gallery & Gardens: This museum combines Impressionist paintings with 17 acres of surrounding formal gardens containing a collection of outdoor sculptures.

4339 Park Avenue, Memphis, TN 38117

Where to Stay

The new Guest House at Graceland is the closest hotel to Graceland, being literally next door. However, there was a health scare there in the summer of 2017, and one of the people who fell ill died. The other hotels which are within walking distance of Graceland are the motel-style Memory Lane Inn and Suites and the aparthotel Inland Suites.

Mid-Range Hotels

The Peabody Hotel: The Peabody Hotel is a Memphis classic. Known for the Mallard ducks which make a daily march through the lobby, the Peabody is the hotel which normally hosts notable guests from out of town. The Peabody has both a French restaurant and an American one, and has a rooftop ballroom which offers panoramic views of downtown Memphis. It’s also within walking distance of Beale Street and most of the other attractions downtown.

149 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

Sheraton Memphis Downtown: This hotel is located right next to the Memphis Convention Center, and the historic trolley stops right outside the door. Some of the rooms come with river views.

250 North Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103

The Westin Memphis Beale Street: This comfortable and well-reviewed 4-star hotel is just around the corner from Beale Street and within easy walking distance of most of the attractions in downtown Memphis. If you’re coming to Memphis for a sporting event, the FedEx Forum is right across the street.

170 Lt. George W Lee Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

Other Posts about Memphis

Should I Go to Graceland?

Paris

Paris is a romantic and scenic city filled with historic palaces, cathedrals, museums, and gardens. It’s also a fashion capital with a number of famous shopping streets. For these reasons and numerous others, Paris is a dream destination for many people around the world.

Basic Facts

Things to Do

Where to Stay

Population: 2.2 million

Climate: The climate is relatively mild. However, there can be heat waves during the summer.

Currency: Euro

Airports: The main airports are Charles de Gaulle Airport, which is approximately 45 minutes by train or taxi into downtown, and Orly Airport, The travel options from Orly to Paris are somewhat more complicated. Le Bourget is the general aviation airport.

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Things to Do

Churches

Sacré-Cœur: The architecture of this cathedral was inspired by basilicas like the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, and its white stone facade is a prominent site on the Montmartre. The top of the dome offers views over Paris up to 40 km (24 miles) away.

Metro station: Anvers

Landmarks

Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile: As one of Paris’ most famous monuments, the Arc de Triomphe towers over the Champs-Elysees. The Arc de Triomphe was built by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victory over the Austrian and Russian armies at the Battle of Austerlitz. It also serves as the gravesite of an unknown soldier from World War I, along with an eternal flame in his honor.

Metro station: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile

Saint-Jacques Tower: This 51 meter tower which dates back to the 16^th century is the last remaining part of a Gothic church from the 12^th century.

Metro station: Chatelet

Museums

Musee Cernuschi: This museum’s exhibits consist of art from the Far East. Although it’s not as famous as some of Paris’ other museums, the Musee Cernuschi contains one of the largest collections of Chinese art in Europe.

Metro station: Villiers

Musee du Louvre: The Louvre is probably the most famous museum in Paris and is one of the most widely-visited in the world. The museum is housed in a palace which served as the king’s main residence in the 16^th and 17^th centuries before Louis XIV moved it to Versailles.

Although da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is the most well-known attraction at the Louvre, it’s also home to many other art exhibits from around the globe which date from antiquity to the mid-19^th century. The works include the Venus de Milo and fragments from the Code of Hammurabi. Like the British Museum in London, it’s difficult to see all of the museum in one visit.

Metro station: Palais Royal – Musee Louvre

Musee d’Orsay: Housed in a former train station, this unusual art museum contains works dating from around 1848 to 1914. The glass roof illuminates scupltures, paintings, photographs, furniture, and other artifacts. Some of the artists featured include van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir.

1 rue de la Legion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris

Metro station: Solferino

Musee de l’Orangerie: Located in a former greenhouse in the Jardin des Tuileries, the Musee de l’Orangerie exhibits works from impressionism, postimpressionism, and the ecole de Paris. Monet’s work ”Water Lilies” is displayed here, along with works by Gauguin, Renoir, Picasso, and Matisse.

Jardin Tuileries, 75001 Paris

Metro station: Concorde

Galerie nationale du Jeu de Paume

The Musee du Jeu de Paume exhibits contemporary photography and video. It’s located just across the Jardin des Tuileries from the Musee de l’Orangerie.

1 place de la Concorde

75008 Paris

Metro station: Concorde

Palais Garnier: Better known as the Paris Opera, this 19^th century neo-Baroque theater offers tours of the auditorium and other parts of its elaborate interior, which features the Grand Staircase and Grand Foyer, along with a Library-Museum that chronicles the theater’s history.

Metro station: Opera

Petit Palais (Musee des Beaux-Arts): Originally built as an exhibition hall for the Exposition Universelle of 1900, the Petit Palais now houses an art museum with collections from antiquity to 1900, along with a courtyard garden featuring outdoor sculptures.

Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris

Metro station: Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau

Parks and Gardens

Bois du Boulogne: The Bois du Boulogne is located in the Paris neighborhood of Neuilly-sur-Seine and is one of the largest city parks in the world. It’s home to numerous formal gardens, lakes, and walking paths. It’s best to visit during the day, as it has a reputation for being haunted by prostitutes at night.

Cimetiere de Montmatre: This is the main cemetery in northern Paris. Amongst the historic figures who are buried here are Heinrich Heine, Emile Zola, Alexandre Dumas, and Edgar Degas.

Metro station: Place de Clichy

Le Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise: The largest cemetery in Paris dates from the early 19^th century and contains numerous notable graves, amongst them Frederic Chopin, Jim Morrison, Honore de Balzac, Edith Piaf, Georges Bizet, and Joseph Igance Gullotin.

Metro station: Pere Lachaise

Jardin des Tuileries: If you visit the Musee de l’Orangerie or the Musee du Jeu de Palme, you’ll be surrounded by the Jardin des Tuileries, a Baroque garden built for Catherine de Medici in the 16^th century. The Place de la Concorde is located on westernmost end of the garden, and the Louvre is located on the opposite end.

Metro stations: Concorde or Tuileries

Parc de Belleville: Set on a high hill, this park has numerous platforms which allow for panoramic views of Paris.

Metro station: Belleville

Parc Monceau: An 18th-century park which was the subject of five paintings by Claude Monet. A stroll through this park will bring you past copies of the pyramids, classical colonades, and Dutch windmills, along with statues of French historical figures like Guy de Maupassant and Frederic Chopin.

Metro station: Monceau

Seasonal

June: La Defense Jazz Festival

Shopping

Galeries Lafayette Paris Hausmann: As one of the largest department stores in Paris, Galeries Lafayette offers 70,000 m² of brands that include Chanel, Bulgari, Montblanc, Louis Vuitton, and many others. It also offers several restaurants offering eventhing from pizza to seafood to hamburgers and dessert. There’s also a Starbucks location. The main branch of the Printemps store chain is also nearby.

Metro station: Havre – Caumartin (Lines 3 and 9)

Place Vendome: The Place Vendome is one of Paris’ premier shopping areas, featuring watch and jewelry brands like Cartier and Bulgari, and boutiques like Chanel and Dior.

Metro station: Tuileries

Where to Stay

Luxury Hotels in Paris – A list of Paris’ 5-star hotels, arranged by district.

Hotels in the La Defense Business District

Hotels at Charles de Gaulle Airport

Mid-Range Hotels

AC Hotel Paris Le Bourget by Marriott: This 4-star hotel is right next door to Le Bourget Airport, and is approximately a half an hour drive from downtown Paris.

2 Rue de la Haye, 93440 Le Bourget

Hotel Saint Germain: A boutique hotel with traditional room decor, the Hotel Saint Germain is a short walk from the Rue du Bac metro station in the 7^th arrondissement , and within walking distance of the Musee d’Orsay and the Rodin Museum.

88 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris

CitizenM Paris Charles de Gaulle: The CitizenM is next door to Charles de Gaulle. It has 24-hour reception and food service, along with self-serve check-in and check-out. This hotel might be worth considering if you have a very early or late flight.

7 Rue de Rome, Tremblay-en-France Roissypole, Terminal 3 Paris Charles de Gaulle, 93290 Roissy-en-France

Paris Marriott Charles de Gaulle: This Marriott location is 2 km (1.2 miles) from Charles de Gaulle and offers a free shuttle to the airport terminal and the train station which serves the airport.

Zone Hoteliere Allee Des Vergers, 95700 Roissy-en-France

Hong Kong

About

The semi-autonomous region of Hong Kong is the most frequently-visited city in the world. Located on a southern peninsula in China and surrounded by over 200 islands, Hong Kong is a major financial center and tourist destination.

Basic Facts

Population: 7.2 million

Languages: Cantonese, English

Climate: Generally warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from lows of 15° C (48° F) in January to highs of 31° C (89° F) in July.

Currency: Hong Kong Dollar

Airport: Hong Kong International Airport

Things to Do

Museums

Hong Kong Museum of History: This museum chronicles Hong Kong’s history and culture dating from prehistoric times to the reunification with China.

100 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Metro station: Hung Hom

Hong Kong Science Museum: The Hong Kong Science Museum is popular with children as it offers a wide variety of interactive exhibits on numerous areas of science.

Metro Station: Hung Hom

2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Munich

As one of the most popular cities in Germany, Munich has a lot to offer travelers. Whether you come for a seasonal event, like the Oktoberfest or the Christmas market, or for the year-round attractions like the numerous museums and gardens, a trip to Munich is sure to be an event which will provide nice memories for years to come.

Basic Facts

Things to Do

Where to Eat

Where to Stay

Side Trips from Munich

Public Holidays

Basic Facts

Population: 1.3 million

Languages: German, although many locals speak English as a second language.

Climate: Generally mild, however, winters can be very cold and snowy, while the summer normally has a number of periodic days which are very hot. These heat waves normally don’t last longer than a few days before being cooled down by rain. Fall and spring have the most moderate temperatures. Sunny autumn days are often referred to as a Goldener Herbst (golden autumn).

Currency: Euro

Airports: Franz-Josef Strauss International Airport in Erding, which is about a 45 minute train ride from downtown. A private airport is located in Oberpfaffenhofen, which is a suburb to the south of Munich.

Getting around in Munich: Munich has an extensive and reliable public transportation system, consisting of the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban trains), buses, and trams. There are also many taxi stands scattered throughout the city, and next to all of the major train and subway stations.

If you arrive in Munich by air, the airport is served by two S-Bahn lines, both of which lead downtown and stop at the major U- and S-Bahn stations Marienplatz, Königsplatz, Hauptbahnhof, and Isartor, which are considered part of the Stammstrecke (main stretch) going through downtown Munich. The trains leave the airport about once every 10 minutes and the trip takes about 40 to 45 minutes.

Up-to-date information on tickets, fares, and timetables for Munich’s public transit system is available here.

Rail: München Hauptbahnhof (Munich Central Station) is the main rail station in the city, and Ostbahnhof (East Station) is also a major rail station. Local and long-distance rail connections to just about anywhere is Europe are possible from these stations.

Amongst the trains from Munich are a daily TGV train to Paris which takes about six hours and an Austrian high-speed train to Vienna that gets there in four hours. The Deutsche Bahn (German Railways) recently opened a high-speed ICE stretch that makes it possible to travel from Munich to Berlin in four hours.

Flights to Munich: Munich is served by most of the major airlines in Europe, North America, and Asia.

Things to Do

Museums

Deutsches Museum: This museum is devoted to science and technology. It contains exhibits on subjects ranging from astronomy and oceanography to transportation and kids’ exhibits.

Museuminsel 1, 80538 Munich

S-Bahn station: Isartor

Website: http://www.deutsches-museum.de/index.php?id=1&L=1

Bavarian National Museum: One of this art museum’s most popular attractions is its collection of nativity scenes. There’s also a collection of medieval suits of armor which is worth a visit. The art is mostly traditional Bavarian, with a lot of religious themes. The Englischer Garten is right behind this museum.

Prinzregentenstrasse 3, 80538 München

S-Bahn station: Isartor

Website: http://www.bayerisches-nationalmuseum.de/Engl/b.htm (in German)

Alte Pinakothek: An art museum which contains works from the 14^th to the 18^th centuries. A large number of great artists have works displayed here, including Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, van Dyck, and Albrect Dürer. There are other Pinakothek museums nearby. The Neue Pinakothek has a large collection of art from the 19th century, and the Pinakothek der Moderne has exhibits modern art.

Barer Strasse 27 (Entry on Theresienstrasse), 80333 Munich

U-Bahn station: Königsplatz

Tram stop: Pinakotheken

Website (for all Pinakothek museums): https://www.pinakothek.de/en

Glyptothek: Collections of ancient Greek and Roman art dating from 700 BC to 550 AD.

Katharina-von-Bora-Strasse 10, 80333 Munich

U-Bahn station: Königsplatz

Website: http://www.antike-am-koenigsplatz.mwn.de/en.html

Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus (City Gallery in the Lenbach Villa): This art museum was built by the painter Franz von Lenbach in the late 19^th century and displays nearly 30,000 works dating from that time to the mid-20^th century. It’s located a stone’s throw from the Glyptothek.

U-Bahn station: Königsplatz

Münchner Residenz: The Residenz used to be a palace for the Bavarian royal family.

It has 130 rooms which are mostly decorated in a Baroque or Rococo style, along with 10 courtyards. Some of the main features include the 18th-century multi-tiered Cuvillies-Theater, a throne room, and treasury containing royal artifacts dating from the Middle Ages to the 19^th century.

Residenzstrasse

U-Bahn station: Odeonsplatz

Website: http://www.residenz-muenchen.de//englisch/residenc/index.htm

Schloss Nymphenburg (Nymphenburg Palace): Nymphenburg Palace was once the summer home of the Bavarian royal family. The Baroque-era palace is surrounded by extensive formal gardens. The neighbouring Marstall Museum is located in the former stables and features a collection of carriages and sleighs. The Museum Mensch und Natur (Museum of Mankind and Nature) is also located on the grounds of Nymphenburg Palace, containing exhibits on the origins of the solar system, the earth, and life.

Schloss Nymphenburg, 80638 Munich

Tram stop: Schloss Nymphenburg (Buses also stop here.)

Website: http://www.schloss-nymphenburg.de/englisch/tourist/index.htm

BMW Welt: Munich is the world headquarters of BMW, and the surrounding area offers a number of tourist attractions. The BMW museum chronicles the history of automobiles, while the BMW Welt across the road showcases today’s BMWs. BMW Welt is located right next to the Olympiapark and its attractions.

Am Olympiapark 1, 80809 Munich

U-Bahn station: Olympiazentrum or Petuelring

Website: http://www.bmw-welt.com/en/index.html

Museum Fünf Kontinente (Five Continents Museum. Formerly known as the State Museum of Ethnology): Although this museum isn’t as widely known as some of the other museums in Munich, it’s still worth a visit. It’s devoted to exhibits about cultures from outside of Europe, containing artifacts from the religious and cultural histories of pre-Columbian America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania.

Maximilianstr. 42, 80538 Munich

S-Bahn station: Isartor

Website: http://www.museum-fuenf-kontinente.de/services/english-summary.html

Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum): Brass chimes greet you as you walk past the Spielzeugmuseum, which contains the history of toys going back to the year 1800. This quaint museum is located in a tower next to City Hall and consists of four stories of stuffed animals, model railroads, dolls, and toys made of tin.

Marienplatz 15, 80331 Munich

S- and U-Bahn station: Marienplatz

Website: http://www.muenchen.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/orte/119188.html (in German)

Parks and Gardens

Olympiapark: Located right next door to BMW Welt, the Olympiapark is where the summer olympics were held in 1972. It has a lot of walking paths, some of which lead up steep hills which offer a panoramic view of the park or the city. If you don’t feel like walking up a hill, the panoramic views which can include the Alps can be seen from the Olympiaturm. The Sea Life aquarium is also at the Olympiapark. Concerts and sporting events are often held here.

U-Bahn station: Olympiazentrum

Website: http://www.olympiapark.de/en/olympiapark-munich/

Botanischer Garten: The Munich Botanic Garden is next door to Nymphenburg Palace. Plants from climates around the world are featured in greenhouses which emulate their natural habitats. The orchid collection is so large that it has a special greenhouse of its own, while the other greenhouses are devoted to the tropics and the desert. You might encouter lizards and turtles amongst the plants as well. The large outdoor gardens are also worth exploring, with paths leading through seasonal plants like roses and rhododendrons, along with the arboretum exhibiting trees and shrubs from around the world.

Menzingerstrasse 65, 80638 Munich

Tram stop: Botanischer Garten

Hofgarten: Located right next to the Residenz Palace, the Hofgarten is a Baroque-era formal garden arranged around a pavilion. If you walk across this garden starting from Odeonsplatz (also the name of the nearest U-Bahn station), and then turn left and go down the stairs and under the bridge, it leads to the Englischer Garten.

Englischer Garten: The largest park in Munich is a piece of the countryside in the middle of the city. The gravel and sand walking paths lead past brooks and lakes, fields, and under the shade of mature trees. There are often a couple of swans wading nearby, and there are always geese hanging around. Some of the highlights are the Monopterous pavilion, which is up on a hill offering views of the city. There’s also the Chinese Tower, which is somtimes surrounded by a biergarten or a Christmas market. Another biergarten is on the shores of a large lake.

Zoos

Tierpark Hellabrun: Munich’s main zoo was the first zoo in the world to organize their animals based on what part of the world they come from. Some of the animals are displayed so that you’re only separated from them by a small canal which is just wide enough to prevent them from crossing. There’s also a petting zoo where you’ll be greeted by sheep and goats.

Tierparkstrasse 30, 81543 Munich

U-Bahn station: Thalkirchen (Tierpark) A parade of animals on the walls leads to the zoo.

Churches

Frauenkirche: The 15th-century Frauenkirche is one of Munich’s most recognizable symbols and its main cathedral. It’s the church with two towers with round ornaments on top which is visible from Marienplatz and most other parts of the pedestrian zone.

Frauenplatz 1, 80331 Munich

Asamkirche: Although the 18th-century Asamkirche is a lot smaller than most churches, its elaborate late-Baroque décor makes it worth a visit.

Sendlinger Strasse 32, 80331 Munich

Shopping

The main shopping area in Munich is the Neuhäuserstrasse leading into the Käufingerstrasse, or the pedestrian zone which leads from the Karlsplatz S- and U-Bahn station to Marienplatz. This area contains numerous large department stores, perfume and cosmetics stores, clothing stores, a large electronics store, and bookstores. Munich’s pedestrian zone is one of the most frequently-visited shopping areas in Europe. Some of the highlights along the pedestrian zone are:

Oberpollinger: This large department store next to Karlsplatz houses a number of luxury boutiques on the ground floor, including Dior, Burberry, Fendi, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. Oberpollinger’s other offerings are a large fashion assortment, perfumes and cosmetics, home furnishings, and toys. Oberpollinger also has a cafe on the 2^nd floor (3^rd floor if you count the ground floor as the 1^st), and a restaurant on the top floor with a roof terrace offering views over Munich.

Hugendubel: If you’re looking for a German book as a souvenir, this major bookstore chain has outlets on Karlsplatz, Marienplatz, and in the Fünf Hofe shopping center. There’s a wide assortment of books to learn German as a foreign language, a lot of magazines and children’s books, and also a limited selection of books in English.

Maxilimilianstrasse: One of Munich’s prime shopping streets, the Maximilianstrasse contains Chanel, Dior, and Gucci amongst its boutiques and the five star Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski.

Olympia-Einkaufszentrum (Olympia Shopping Mall): One of the largest malls in Bavaria, the Olympia-Einkaufszentrum has over 130 shops.

Riesstrasse 59, 80993 Munich

U-Bahn station: Olympia-Einkaufszentrum (Served by both the U1 and U3 lines.)

The shops in Munich have varying opening hours. Some open as early as 7:00 or as late as 9:30 am from Monday to Saturday. Almost all of them close at 8:00 pm. More information on this subject is in the section on public holidays below.

Where to Eat

Viktualienmarkt: The Viktualienmarkt is located just off of Marienplatz, and has an assortment of food stands and small gourmet shops and produce stands. The food stands offer a chance to try traditional German foods like a Schnitzelsemmel (a breaded pork chop on a crusty roll), or a Leberkässemmel (a crusty roll filled with a hearty pork lunch meat.) There’s also a Biergarten where you can enjoy your drink in the shade of chestnut trees. Liesl Karlstadt statue on Viktualienmarkt

S- and U-Bahn station: Marienplatz. Look for where the tower with the toy museum is at the end of the pedestrian zone, and the Viktualienmarkt is just around the corner.

Website: http://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/attractions/viktualienmarkt.html

Department Stores: Some department stores in Munich have a restaurant on the top floor, including the Karstadt location next to the main train station (Hauptbahnhof), and the Galleria Kaufhof locations at Karlsplatz and Marienplatz. These restaurants are a good place to go if you’re looking for a full meal or just coffee and a piece of European pastry.

Where to Stay

Many people who are considering which part of Munich to stay in are also wondering which areas they should stay out of. I’ve lived in Munich for 13 years, and can tell you that there’s nowhere in the city that can truly be called dangerous. The main central area of the city is around Marienplatz, which is within walking distance of most of the tourist attractions, and is also easily accessible by public transportation to just about anywhere in Munich where you might want to go.

Luxury Hotels

Luxury Hotels in Munich: A list of Munich’s five star hotels.

Mid-Range Hotels

Arthotel Ana im Olympiapark: A comfortable hotel in Olympic Village, which is a complex of shops and apartment buildings right next to the Olympiapark and BMW Welt. The Olympiazentrum U-Bahn station is also nearby. The trains run every five minutes during the morning and evening rush hours and every ten minutes at other times, and the ride into downtown Munich takes around 15 minutes.

Hotel Torbräu: The location of this 4-star hotel is hard to beat. It’s right next to the Isartor S-Bahn station and about a 5-minute walk from Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt.

Tal 41, 80331 Munich

Platzl Hotel: Although it’s tucked away on a quiet side street, the 4-star Platzl Hotel has excellent reviews and is just around the corner from the Hofbräuhaus, Marienplatz, and the Viktualienmarkt. The rooms are soundproofed in case it gets a bit rowdy at the Hofbräuhaus.

Sparkassenstrasse 10, 80331 Munich

Hilton Munich City: This Hilton location is a short walk from the Deutsches Museum and right next to the Rosenheimer Platz S-Bahn station, which is directly on both S-Bahn lines which go to the airport. Marienplatz is only two S-bahn stops away. There’s also a shopping center at Rosenheimer Platz, which contains a drug store and two grocery stores. The Gasteig Cultural Centre is also right next door.

Rosenheimer Strasse 15, 81667 Munich

Holiday Inn Munich City Centre: This Holiday Inn is right across the street from Hilton mentioned above.

Hochstrasse 3, 81669 Munich

Four Points Sheraton Munich Central: This Four Points location is located right around the corner from the Theresienwiese where the Oktoberfest is held.

Schwantaler Strasse 111, 80339 Munich

Leonardo Hotel Munich City Olympiapark: The 4-star Leonardo Hotel is located a five-minute walk from the Olympiapark.

Dachauer Strasse 169, 80637 Munich

The closest hotels to Munich Airport

Side Trips from Munich

Mittenwald: A picturesque Bavarian village on the Austrian border.

Public Holidays

Public holidays in Germany often vary based on your location in Germany. Some holidays are only observed in places in which the population is either majority Catholic or Protestant. There’s even a holiday that’s only observed in one city: August 8 is Peace Day in Augsburg. The only stores which are allowed to be open on German public holidays are those located in transport areas like large train stations and airports. Restaurants are generally open. These are the public holidays which will be observed in Munich in 2018.

January 1: New Year’s Day

January 6: Epiphany

February 13: Mardi Gras (Stores may be closed, or only be open until the early to mid -afternoon.)

March 30: Good Friday

April 2: Easter Monday

May 1: Labor Day

May 10: Ascension of Christ

May 21: Pentecost Monday

May 31: Corpus Christi

August 15: Assumption of Mary

October 3: German Unity Day

November 1: All Saints’ Day

December 24: Christmas Eve (This is a half-day holiday, and most of the stores will close around 1 or 2 pm.)

December 25 and 26: Christmas

December 31: New Year’s Eve (This is a half-day holiday, and most of the stores will close around 1 or 2 pm.)