Category Archives: European Events

Luisa’s tips on ‘When in Rome’ with the kids

Posted on February 14, 2012 | Leave a comment

Where else can you view a structure thousands of years old and then turn the corner and feast your eyes on opulent, chic shops? Rome, a city of a thousand faces, is a treasure trove of sights and sounds that will energise kids of all ages.

But how do you deal with their short attention spans while waiting in line to get into the Colosseum, Forum and Vatican’s Sistine Chapel? Trafalgar’s Family Experiences ensures you and your family don’t have to, with priority entrance into these popular sights.

And how do you keep youngsters from saying “all this history is b-o-r-i-n-g”? By mixing in some top Roman attractions that are a bit more interactive and kid-oriented yet are set in historical settings. On Trafalgar’s Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold trip they can enjoy hands-on activities such as Roman Gladiator School, where children and teens receive “combat” lessons complete with a victory tournament.

If you plan to spend a few days in Rome before your Trafalgar trip starts, I recommend you visit the following sights, perfect for kids, tweens or teens!

Trevi Fountain
Out of all the places we visited in Rome, this was most memorable to my daughter Alex. Why? All kids love to make a wish and toss a coin into a body of water. But in Rome, the Trevi Fountain’s multiple cascades and huge statues are larger than life and will remain a fond family travel memory for life.

Rome Zoo
The Rome Zoo is conveniently located in Villa Borghese and is geared towards children. In addition to an array of animals, there is the “animal ark” where kids can climb like a spider and swing like a monkey.

Time Elevator
Children and parents both enjoy this attraction since it is historical and full of action and modern effects. During this 3D ride, all ages will learn about Rome’s illustrious history, meet famous Romans such as Julius Caesar, and have fun at the same time.

Spanish Steps
After running around this vast city, this is a great spot to “chill,” people watch and shop too. The Spanish Steps are part of the atmospheric Renaissance Piazza di Spagna.

Piazza….not pizza!
Rome is crowded with piazzas – pedestrian plazas usually filled with fountains, outdoor cafes, restaurants, lots of gelato stands and of course, pizza! My top choice is Piazza Navona, with its famous Bernini Four Rivers fountain. It has become my family’s tradition to try one’s first tartuffo (ice cream sphere covered in hardened chocolate with a surprise center filling) in Piazza Navona.

By Luisa Frey
As a family travel writer for 17 years, Luisa’s articles have been published extensively in print and online.

When in Rome

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My WOW Moment in Turkey

Posted on November 15, 2011 | Leave a comment

My motto is, always leave a reason to return. Trafalgar’s Best of Turkey offered me that opportunity.  It was my third visit in 22 years and I anxiously anticipated sharing the mysterious land of Cappadocia with a new travel companion.

Turkey in itself is the best – the best of the East and the best of the West.  The country is rich with Roman Greek Egyptian and Ottoman history as evidenced by well-preserved ruins.  Perhaps the best way to enjoy Cappadocia, the unique region of volcanic landscapes, is through a hot-air balloon ride.  There’s something exhilarating about waking before dawn and driving through the cool night air to the take-off point. On arrival, dozens of colorful balloons were being filled with the hot air that would eventually raise them to a thousand feet or more. The fire from the gas burners warmed us as we waited our turn in anxious anticipation while one balloon after the other ascended from the dusty earth.

At last we climbed into the balloon and gently started our flight.  Dawn had just broken and black shadows of the troglodyte dwellings started to fill the horizon.  It was oh so quiet as each of us hungrily absorbed the landscape below, dotted with cone-shaped volcanic remnants hollowed and shaped by thousands of years of wind and rain that sculpted them to perfection. The silence was broken only when the gas burner spat out a burst of fire.  We were in awe as we descended lower into a valley of the “cones”.  Thousands of years ago the early Christians settled in Cappadocia and hid in cities like Kaymakali where they lived in underground caves.  We imagined what life was like when St. Paul and his followers inhabited Cappadocia.

Before long the early morning sky which was now pink and gold was dotted with dozens of colorful balloons. We peacefully drifted up and down through the valley as our pilot carefully navigated our balloon between the cone structures to avoid a collision.  Some of the volcanic structures looked like toadstools all swaying in the same direction.  Other structures revealed doorways which provoked our imaginations to conjure up images of the families who inhabited one of the most remarkable places on the face of the earth.

As our balloon started its descent, my friend and I looked at each other.  All we could say as we clumsily evacuated our balloon was “WOW”!

Hot-air balloon ride Turkey

Hot-air balloon ride Turkey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonnie Mack

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Top 5 spooky spots for Halloween travel

Posted on November 1, 2011 | 1 Comment

With the gallons of sweets, fake blood and all manner of ugly masks and costumes, what better way to embrace this creepy time of year than by steering your travel plans to the most mystically mysterious, frighteningly fun and dauntingly dark corners of the world? From bone-filled catacombs to haunted castles, here’s our top 5 picks of the spookiest spots for Halloween travel – fake blood and ugly masks not necessary!

1. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
After seeing the sites of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Holyrood House and Arthur’s Seat, be brave and explore Edinburgh Castle, which is famed for its charismatic ghouls. Take for example, the headless drummer boy who appears whenever something dangerous is about to happen! Or how about the Lost Piper, who disappeared in the maze of tunnels underneath the castle, never to be seen again…

Visit Edinburgh Castle on our ‘Best of Scotland’ Itinerary.

2. Calico Ghost Town, USA
More than 100 years ago Calico was a booming silver mining town during the biggest silver rush California has ever seen. Today one third of Calico’s original structures still stand and the rest have been re-built to replicate the style of the Old West. Visit the Mystery Shack to see water running uphill, explore Maggie’s Mine and take part in some gold panning for old times’ sake; just don’t say we didn’t warn you that this place has a very eerie atmosphere!

Visit Calico Ghost Town on our ‘Golden West Contrasts’ Itinerary.

3. Nocturnal House, Australia
Even if you’ll be in sunny Australia this Halloween, there’s still some vampire fun to be had; no Halloween would be complete without some scary vampire bats. That’s what you’ll get to see at Nocturnal House in Alice Springs, you’ll also get to enjoy reserved seating at the Birds of Prey Presentation.

Visit Nocturnal House on our ‘The Great Australian Explorer’ Itinerary.

4. Catacombs of Paris, France
The Notre Dame may be a Gothic masterpiece, but in your free time in Paris, make sure you head below street level to explore the creepy Catacombs that lie beneath Paris’s celebrated monuments. Head down there and you’ll come face to face with walls made of skeletons; yes that’s right, bones instead of wallpaper and skulls instead of chandeliers! The Catacombs were built around 1786 as a result of overcrowded cemeteries which the government wanted to reclaim. By the time the relocation was over in 1860, around six million skeletons had been moved here. However horrid it sounds, the sight is really quite spectacular inside the Catacombs.

Visit the Catacombs of Paris on our ‘Contrasts of Europe’ Itinerary.

5. Mayan Temples of Uxmal, Mexico
Mayan people were known for building new temples over old ones, and this is no more visible than in Uxmal, Yucatan in Mexico where you can witness the mythical layers of civilisation before your very eyes. Dating back to the 10th century AD, you’ll learn so much about mysterious Mayan culture as you explore the staggering architectural bounds of its people.

Visit the Mayan Termples of Uxmal on our ‘Treasures of the Yucatan’ Itinerary.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you visited a spooky place recently? Let us know where and why it was eerie below!

 

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Best cities to celebrate Burns Night in Scotland

Posted on January 25, 2011 | 3 Comments

Slip into something tartan and prepare for a hearty meal of haggis, because tonight is Burns Night! 25th of January is Burns Night – the anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns (1759 – 96),  which isn’t just celebrated in Scotland but across the whole world. This year is even more special as 2011 is the 25th anniversary of Burns Night, so wherever you are in Scotland there is bound to be various events and celebrations going on near you such as traditional ceilidhs and delicious Burns Suppers. Here’s our pick of the top Burns Night events in some of Scotland’s most exciting cities.

Alloway

If you’d prefer to learn more about Robert Burns before you raise a glass, the Official Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is now open in Alloway, Ayrshire, and this is the place to head for extensive history and fascinating facts surrounding Robert Burns, such as manuscripts and personal artefacts, which helped make the man we cherish for poems such as, ‘To A Louse’, ‘Tam O Shanter’, ‘To A Haggis’ and ‘Auld Lang Syne’.

Aberdeen

Head to the University of Aberdeen for a special Burns evening, whereby Sheena Blacklaw and Derick McClure present ‘ The Ploughman Songmaker’, and all for just £3.

St. Andrews

Burns Night with Daimh takes place in St. Andrew’s Byre Theatre, and you can expect a traditional evening where much merriment will ensue. Tuck into some haggis, of which Robert Burns himself called the ‘great chieftain o’ the puddin’-race’.

Edinburgh

Burns: Rough Cut takes place tonight at Brunton Theatre where, for £11 you can expect a traditional supper of venison pie and scotch broth soup followed by a very ‘raw and edgy’ performance of Robert Burns’s diaries.

Raise your glass of Scotch whiskey to Robert Burns, and remember the Scottish bard with the poignancy and passion of a true Scot!

Read more about Scotland and search for Scottish tours

How are you celebrating Burns Night? Share with us below…

Image credits: eusebius and SteveWagner at Flickr.com

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City insider: Top 10 boutiques in Paris

Posted on January 24, 2011 | Leave a comment

On a Trafalgar tour you can expect to see all the top sites such as the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame Cathedral, but if you’re going to have an unforgettable holiday in one of Europe’s most fashionable capitals, you’ll want to look the part - it is Paris Fashion Week soon after all!-  so do take advantage of Paris’s many unique boutiques.

As well as our personal favourite Paris past-times, such as taking a scenic cruise on the Seine River, admiring Impressionist art at Musée d’Orsay, a visit to the Fragonard Perfumery and Museum, and an excursion to Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles (one of the world’s grandest, with its spectacular ornamental gardens) here is our pick of the top 10 boutiques in Paris, so you can spend, spend, spend!

1. Kookai Stock, 82 rue Réaumur, 2nd, Metro Réaumur-Sébastopol, Paris. Open Monday to Saturday, from 10.30am to 7.30pm.

As you’d expect from a boutique nestled in the tailoring district of Paris, Kookai Stock features a large shopping space filled with past-season garments with discounts as big as 70% off. Let the super friendly staff help you pick the perfect Parisian top for a mere €9.

2. Chanel, 31, rue Cambon. 75001, Paris. Open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 7pm.

It wouldn’t be right to have a top 10 shopping list for Paris without mentioning Chanel. It may be right out of most visitors price range, but a trip to Paris would not be complete without a least a short window-shop or browse of the designer brand which is the essence of chic Paris.

3. Saint-Ouen Flea Market, 140 rue des Rosiers 93400 SAINT-OUEN, Paris.
OK, it’s not quite a boutique, but Saint-Ouen Flea Market has so much to offer the shopper who has it all – for a fraction of the price. Originally the Market was a trading spot which joined Paris and Saint-Ouen in the 1800s, born when the traders grouped together to sell their curious wares. Head here for unique souvenirs and bargain vintage trinkets. It may be open every day, but weekends tend to be much busier.

4. Agnes b., 6, rue du Jour, 75001 Paris. Open Monday to Friday from 11am to 8.30pm.

For a boutique that Paris is famed for, head to the urban Agnes b., the original of which is on rue du Jour. Shunning advertising, Agnes Trouble, who started her shop in the 1970s. chooses instead to support young designers and artists through her in-house galleries, giving the Agnes b. boutique a boho feel.

5. Christian Louboutin, 38, rue de Grenelle, Paris. Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm.

Christian Louboutin is a name we’re all familiar with, owing to the Parisian shoe designer’s oh-so-sexy yet still super comfortable high heels, which are cherished the world over. Visit the Christian Louboutin boutique in Paris to see kooky yet sumptuous style, and if you’re feeling particular caught up in the romance of Paris, perhaps you’ll purchase a pair.

6. Parfums Frederic Malle, 37, rue de Grenelle, Paris. Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 9pm and Sunday 12am – 6pm.

No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to one of the city’s perfumeries, and which better boutique than one of the city’s oldest, and just over the road from Christian Louboutin. Have a spritz of the classic designer scents and you might even want to buy some as a very chic souvenir.

7. Printemps, 102 Rue de Provence, 75009, Paris. Open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 8pm.

Printemps is by no means a secret, but many visitors to Paris may overlook the vast department store, but that would be a mistake. Printemps’s impressive art nouveau building is filled to the top with France’s favourite fashion, lifestyle and cosmetics brands. Our tip: head to the top floor cafe for unrivalled views of the Eiffel Tower.

8.  Kiliwatch, 64, Rue Tiquetonne, 75002, Paris. Open from Monday to Sunday from 11am to 7pm.

Men in tow may be yearning for a seat (or hearty French lunch) by now, but the most stylish among them are probably after a slice of Parisian style for themselves. Male shoppers should head to Kiliwatch for a great range of vintage menswear. Of course, there’s plenty of women’s vintage fashion in Kiliwatch too!

9. Monoprix, 21 Avenue Opéra, Paris. Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 9pm.

If you’re on a budget during your tour of Paris but would still like to dip into the city’s effortless style, then a visit to Monoprix is essential. As ‘the French version of Marks & Spencers’,  you can expect great-value essentials that are perfect for travelling in, and are excellent quality as well as unique.

10. Comptoir des Cotonniers, 12, Place St. Sulpice, 75006 Paris. Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm.

For the ultimate in effortless Parisian chic, head to Comptoir des Cotonniers, where you’ll find elegant essentials which are at much more affordable prices than most of Paris’s famed boutiques and designer names.

After shopping in chic boutiques and elegant department stores, just sit in an outdoor café and watch the world go by – it’s just like a fashion show! And when the sun goes down, there is still more than enough to keep you busy. Parisian nightlife is truly legendary. Perhaps try a cabaret at the Nouvelle Eve or a champagne show at the Moulin Rouge or wander through the Latin Quarter and dine out in Bohemian Montmartre.

Don’t forget Giverny, the home and gardens of the Impressionist painter Claude Monet or visit Disneyland Paris located just outside the city. If you have already visited Paris, then you know why we are inviting you back to discover one of Europe’s most beautifully planned cities.

See our tours to Paris

Have you been to Paris? What did you think of the shops?

Which is your favourite Parisian boutique?

Comment below, we’d love to hear all about your Paris shopping advice!

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Visit the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at London’s Natural History Museum

Posted on January 19, 2011 | 2 Comments

This weekend I was lucky enough to visit the Natural History Museum in London to see the brilliant Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. As a big animal fan, for me, the winning and commended images from the 2010 competition were simply stunning.

From a disused house in Finland that has been overrun with adorable squirrels, owls and a badger family that were born under the floorboards and use the fireplace as a front door, to ariel shots of vast swathes of manta rays and more, the exhibition was incredibly inspiring.

Whether you’re a keen traveller looking to admire desolate snowscapes and arty mountain shots, or you’re a huge wildlife fan, you’re sure to be blown away by the amazing talent on show at the exhibition. Most impressive was the collections of photos by the youngest category, the ‘under 10s’. That’s right, some of these staggering images are by very young photographers, and the Overall Young Photographer Winner was in that very youngest category!

The winning photo was of leaf-cutter ants in Costa Rica, taken by Bence Mate from Hungary and can be viewed here. Although the winning group of photos are striking, I highly recommend a trip to the Natural History Museum to appreciate all of the entrants. And if you can’t get to London? Easy, just visit the Wildlife Photographer of the Year online gallery.

What do you think of the winners and commended photos? Let us know below!

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Prince William and Kate’s royal wedding: top London spots

Posted on January 12, 2011 | 9 Comments

Wouldn’t you just love to be in London on 29th April 2011 for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding?  Well you can count on Trafalgar to be right in the centre of the action. Since the announcement of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s engagement we’ve been so excited here at Trafalgar Towers that we’ve already chosen our top London spots to be on the day, and have hand-picked a list of London tours that will mean you’ll be in London for the special day.  You can’t blame us for getting caught up in all the fun -  after all, we can almost see Buckingham Palace from the office!

If you’re thinking of travelling to Europe or England in April, then it’s worth timing your visit to conincide with the royal wedding, as the date is sure to be a day of pomp and pageantry like no other. So here is a list of tours that start or end in London on the 29th April 2011 so you can be at one of the biggest Royal London parties of our time!

London Week (The Cumberland hotel)

London Week (The Hilton Olympia hotel)

London Week (Thistle Euston hotel)

OK, so you’ve booked on to a tour so you’ll be in London for the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. But it’s all about being in the right place, at the right time. That’s where we come in! Here’s our top spots to grab for the best views of the Royal Wedding.

Westminster Abbey


It might be almost un-reachable on the day, but the wedding will take place at Westminster Abbey, so head that way if you can.

Westminster Abbey has hosted many royal coronations, weddings and funerals over the years, such as  William’s grandmother’s (Queen Elizabeth II) who was  married in Westminster Abbey in 1947. Sadly, Prince William’s mother, Princess Diana, also had her funeral here on 6 September 1997, so Westminster Abbey holds even more importance for the happy couple.
Buckingham Palace

Kate may begin the procession to Westminster Abbey from Buckingham Palace (before travelling along The Mall, Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and Parliament Square which are prime spots for the best views). Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of the monarchy since 1837. The couple will return here after they are married, for the Queen’s reception and a private dinner party in the evening, to be held by Prince Charles.
Wherever you congregate on 29th April 2011, one thing’s for sure; you’ll be in London on one of the most important days in recent Royal history, allowing you an unforgettable experience to share with your loved ones for years to come.
Will you be in London for the Royal Wedding?
Are you excited about the big day?
What do you think about the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton?
We’d love to know your opinion! Comment below and let us know; we’ll tweet the best responses!

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Walking in a Winter Wonderland: European Christmas markets

Posted on December 3, 2010 | 4 Comments
Vienna Christmas Market by Wong Zitao on Flickr

Vienna Christmas Market by Wong Zitao on Flickr

December is here, which means that the countdown to Christmas has at last officially begun! Here at snowy Trafalgar HQ we’re already getting into the yuletide spirit, and you too can be walking in your very own winter wonderland this Christmas with one of our magical winter tours. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, so it’s time to wrap up warm and prepare for some festive fun.

Picture the scene: sparkling Christmas lights adorning snowy trees; chestnuts roasting on an open fire and a warming glass of mulled wine to stave off the cold; little stalls selling everything from wooden toys to hand-crafted jewellery to Christmas panettone. Yes, it’s the time of year when all across Europe the Christmas markets are in full swing, and there’s no better place to pick out some unique gifts for your loved ones back home – or, indeed, a Christmas present for yourself! And, unlike the commercialised chaos of the shops back home, the bustling Christmas markets of a stunning European city like Prague, Munich or Vienna are guaranteed to leave you feeling festive not fraught.

The traditional Christmas market originates in Germany, where it is known as the Christkindlmarkt and held throughout the four weeks of Advent in celebration of Christmas. A Christmas market was held in Dresden as far back as 1434, and today its 60 stalls attract as many as two million visitors each year. You can visit this city yourself on a Trafalgar tour of Germany. These days you have a wide range of festive destinations to choose from on a tour of Europe, whether it’s a traditional Christkindlmarkt in its German homeland, or beyond to European cities as diverse as Krakow in Poland, Salzburg in Austria and Zurich in Switzerland. The perfect way to discover the joy of the traditional Christmas market is on the Trafalgar Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland European tour – endless inspiration for your Christmas shopping!

There’s no time quite like December to visit an enchanting European capital. Traditional Christmas markets offer the perfect seasonal shopping experience and are an ideal way to get yourself in the mood for Christmas. If you’ve never been to one before, we’re sure you’ll love them as much as we do – and if you have, then you’ll know what we’re talking about!

Have you been to a Christmas market in Europe before? Let us know below!

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The four Fashion Week capitals of the world

Posted on October 4, 2010 | 2 Comments

The glamorous week-long event that is Fashion Week takes place all over the world, but most importantly it dominates the ‘fashion capitals’ that are London, Milan, New York and Paris. Here’s a quick look at these fancy cities, and what makes them so fashion-fabulous!

1. London

In London you have the coveted Oxford Street, Regent’s Street and King’s Road, which are filled to the brim with designer shops which help give London its stylish label. Londoners don’t just dress in the latest designer clothes though; they’re also known for being more eccentric in their styles than the other fashion capitals, so look out for more alternative looks on the locals on your London tour. Places to go for more unique clothing include Portobello Road and Spitalfields markets.

2. Milan

Milan is Italy’s shopping paradise, so it comes as no suprise that Fashion Week is held in the handsome city of Milan. First established in 1958, the most important shows in Milan are the Milano Moda Donna and Womenswear. Milan is famous for its classically glamorous styles – but in typically cool Italy, would you expect anything less? Shop in areas like Piazza Santa Spirito or the winding streets of the Oltrarnos for quirky gifts that are exquisitly made.

3. New York

Everyone wants to go to New York in the United States, and one of the biggest attractions is its world famous shopping. From the mighty Bloomingdales to the designer boutiques along Fifth Avenue, New York has it all. But did you know that in 1943, the first New York Fashion Week was held to distract from French fashion during World War II, of which industry workers could not travel to. Aren’t we glad they did; now crowds at New York Fashion Week are so large that shows are strictly invite only.

4. Paris

Paris is known for its natural chic style, whether it’s the lithe design of the Eiffel Tower or the effortless outfits donning the Parisians. Paris is the obvious home for Fashion Week and has long been its central hub, and today remains one of the most exciting Fashion Weeks in the world. This year designers such as Balenciaga, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Chanel and Louis Vuitton showcased their beautiful collections in Paris, one of the most fashionable as well as romantic cities that you can travel to today.

See our stylish London and Paris 2010/11 tour here

Visit New York with our East Coast Cities tour

Our Milan and Italian Treasures tour

Which is your favourite Fashion Week city?

Do you think Paris should be the main city for Fashion Week?

Have you been to a Fashion Week before? What did you think?

Let us know below and we’ll tweet the best comments!

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Top 10 things to do in London before summer ends

Posted on August 18, 2010 | 8 Comments

Whether you’re visiting for a short time and want to see as much as you can or you’re an old-time Londoner looking to unsurp something new, this top 10 list of things to do in London should keep your calendar colourful until the close of summer.

1. See London’s heritage in style. History is hidden around every corner in London, most mignificantly so in the grand royal structures which pepper its streets such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Hampton Court Palace and Buckingham Palace. Although these are a delight to wander aimlessly around, do look out for special late nights or events which take place in these buildings and you’ll see the city in a whole new light. The Enchanted Palace at Kensington Palace makes for a mystical experience where you’ll witness magic, dance and story-telling all with the sumptuous palace as a backdrop.

2. Make a splash at a lido. You can’t call yourself a true Londoner until you’ve been to one of the outdoor swimming pools that are dotted around the capital, including Brixton Lido or Hampton Pool in South London, or if you’re feeling particularly at one with nature, head to the Serpentine pools on Hampstead Heath. Here you can choose from single sex swimming or a mixed pool. Make a day of it and take a picnic to enjoy after you’ve had enough swimming in those chilly temperatures.

3. See a play in an outdoor theatre. From Shakespeare in Regent’s Park and at the Globe or a more modern performance at the South Bank and Secret Cinema, take advantage of the incredibly cultural side of London and see actors doing what they do best, under the English summer sun (or rain). We’re looking forward to seeing the magical Brothers Grimm’s Into the Woods play in Regent’s Park.

4. Watch films under the stars at an outdoor cinema. Just because it’s warm out doesn’t mean you can’t go to the cinema; visit one of the many outdoor screenings of classics and new releases alike in luxurious outdoor spots such as Somerset House or Richmond Park. Do book in advance to ensure you nab that last grassy knoll with the best view.

5. Embrace culture at a festival. Although most of the big music festivals have finished, they tend to only attract the young hipsters. For a more mixed crowd head to one of the festivals which celebrate London cultural life, such as the Festival Brazil on the South Bank which celebrates all things Brazilian until 5 September, the Thames Festival from 11 – 12 September which is a colourful carnival that winds its way along the Thames, or even the Notting Hill Carnival over the August bank holiday. Notting Hill Carnival is regarded as the most exciting event in the city and sees hoards of steel drums, spectacular floats and huge sound systems as well as delicious Carribean food, so it’s not to be missed if you’re in London on 29 and 30 of August this year.

6. Visit the traditional tourist attractions of London. Though you’ve probably pencilled in a long list of the main tourist hot spots to see on your trip around London - and they certainly shouldn’t be overlooked – one of the best ways to see the big sites is with a Trafalgar tour, or an independent walking tour of some of the lesser-known historical locations. Make sure you don’t miss the Tower of London, London Dungeons, the London Eye and Madame Tussauds.

7. Discover London’s great outdoors. On first glimpse London is a modern landscape of towering skyscrapers and busy commuters, but look past the concrete you’ll find an array of lush green spaces. Relax in the Royal Parks like Hyde Park, Green Park and Regent’s Park, or venture into other great green escapes including Holland Park and it’s Japanese Gardens, Little Venice near Marylebone, Kew Gardens and Greenwich park which offers stunning views of the city skyline. If you have children in tow, there are also a handful of farms dotted across the city, include Mudchute Park and Farm on the Isle of Dogs, and Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, not to mention London Zoo.  Don’t forget to take a Thames River Cruise too!

8. Have fun for free. Of course taking a stroll in a park or along busy Oxford Street is free too, but there are a number of exciting events taking place this summer which are completely free of charge too, such as the performance of Toad Hall which runs until 5 of September, mass yoga classes at The Scoop along the Thames River or you could visit one of the many fascinating art, history and science museums where you can learn a little something as you save money! Our favourites include the National Gallery, Science Museum, British Museum, V&A, Tate Modern and Natural History Museum.

9. Take a day trip out of London. Although there is an abundance of activity to be had in London, don’t forget that it’s cheap and easy to make short and sweet day trips out to nearby towns and villages, such as Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare’s birth place), Oxford the University town or even kick-back at the beach in Brighton or Essex. A coastal area you might not have considered is Thanet, where you can watch old black and white movies at the Powell-Cotton Museum, take a St. Peter’s Village Tour or if you love a good bargain, hunt for a unique vintage finds at RG Scott’s Furniture Mart (Tracey Emin’s favourite), Junk Deluxe or Helter Skelter Boutique.

10. Shop at a London market. There are plenty of fabulous traditional and quirky markets which have stood the test of time in London. Feeling peckish? On Saturdays you should head to world-famous food market, Borough Market for locally sourced delicious treats. For clothing and trinkets, your best bet is Spitalfields Market, Broadway and Colombia Road Flower Market on Saturdays or Brick Lane’s Upmarket on Sundays. You’ll get lost amongst the boutiques along Portobello Market and find truly individual treats to take home and treasure forever; a mark of your adventures in England’s capital, London.

Where do you like best in London? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

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