We all knew a Sydney or two in high school, and girls with this name were usually real heartbreakers. However, this story is not about a girl and it is definitely not a heart-breaking one. This is a compilation of experiences and great memories that I had during my stay in Sydney, Australia. During those couple of days this incredible city won my heart and I know that I will try to go there as many times as I can.

Divine climate and shiny happy people 

The first thing that strikes you as you arrive at the Sydney Airport and get off your plane is the sun. I have been to many countries but the Australian sun is different from anything I have seen and felt so far. The Australian climate is definitely among the most enjoyable ones in the whole world. Of course, I am not talking about the arid climate that prevails in the inland, but the cozy and mild conditions in New South Wales, where Sydney is situated. The climate in this part of Australia is the most similar to the Californian and the Mediterranean climate and it goes without saying how beneficial it is for our health and mind.

As you get bathed by the silky touch of Sydney sunrays, the next thing that you notice are people, who seem so happy and relaxed that you wish at once to stay there for a long period of time. It is probably partly due to the climate, but most probably because of the great economic and social system of Australia. It is not wonder that Australia is one of the best countries to live by the quality of living criteria.

Wonderful sights and affordable accommodation

As you travel from the airport to the city centre, you stay breathless due to the beauty and cleanness of the whole city. As you get to the center, you will see the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which are a part of every itinerary for foreigners. However, I would like to recommend visiting other interesting sights in the city centre, such as Macquarie Street, which is a host to many interesting attractions such as the Parliament House and the Old Mint. In addition to this sight-adorned street, every first-time Sydney visitor has to see Circular Quay, which is the central point of the Sydney Harbour and a real tourist hub with restaurants, a promenade and street musicians.

When it comes to accommodation, if you have a substantial budget for this trip, you can choose from a wide range of center-based hotels. However, if you would like to save some money on accommodation and have more assets for museums and other sights, you could try a boutique hotel Sydney accommodation facility in Randwick. This is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Sydney and from here you can easily get to Bondi or Coogee and many other beaches and parts of the city by bus.

Follow in the Olympic footsteps

Thanks to the Summer Olympic Games that were held in Sydney in 2000, today you can go and see a vast array of attractions left behind the games. Some of them still have their primary role for which they were built, while some others have a different purpose now.

The Olympic tour should begin at the AZN Stadium, where the opening ceremony of the 2000 Olympics took place. This monumental edifice is still an arena of numerous sports battles which attracts both local sport enthusiasts and tourists.

On your tour de Sydney Olympics sights, you should not miss the Sydney Aquatic Center, where all the swimming and water polo events of the Sydney Olympics took place. Also, there are numerous memorabilia from famous Australian swimmers. For further sights and interesting venues, have a look at the Sydney Olympic Park website.

The already fabulous impression of this marvelous city would be even more fantastic if I had a pleasure of meeting a Sydney-named Aussie girl to show me the Sydney foreigners rarely get to know. For the time being and the first stay in Sydney, I am still swept by the charm and good vibrations that Sydney, its sights and beaches and shiny happy people send to tourists from the whole world. There are still many attractions that I am yet to visit on my future travels to this gem of Australian coast.

When you are reading various traveling blogs and stories, there is one thing that you can notice and that is the absence, or at least a very small percentage of advice and tips for single people, either women or men. Somehow it is always about what couples can do, what families can do, what newlyweds can do.

Well, this little guide to Sydney is going to be a bit different as it will be mostly aimed at single guys who visit Sydney for whatever the reason – you might be visiting family or friends or you might be on a business trip. Or you might just be a single guy who wanted to see one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the world. So, what to see? What to do?

In the morning

Morning is perhaps the best time to start exploring any city, Sydney included. The crowds are much smaller, the cafes are much emptier and in Sydney at least, the sun is always shining. Morning hours are the perfect time to really go exploring the city.

The first step should always be the Sydney Harbour which is famed as one of the most beautiful in the world with the focal point definitely being the Sydney Opera. Yes, you have seen it innumerable times on TV and in photos but the real thing still leaves quite an impression. Also, since we are doing this for the single guys; you are also likely to find plenty of tourist ladies in the harbor.

You can also climb the Sydney Tower in the morning; check out the entire city sprawled beneath you. It is an amazing view and you will definitely get to know the city a bit more by seeing it from above.

In the afternoon

The best way to start off the afternoon is by finding a nice spot in one of numerous restaurants in Sydney. The choice for outdoor seating is simply endless and before you know it, you will find that perfect spot with the perfect food and why not a drink? A good idea would be to inform yourself in advance, ask local people because you can truly find some amazing restaurants in Sydney.

After a delicious meal, nothing is better than a nice walk and the Bondi beach is the perfect place to do it. It is one of the most famed beaches in the world and even though it does not captivate with its breath-taking beauty in the more strict ‘beachy’ sense; it is still clean, with clear water and it is always packed with young crowds. If you happen to surf, you will feel right at home there. If not, pick a spot in any of the innumerable bars there and relax.

In the evening

The nightlife in Sydney is world-famous and once you experience it, you will understand why this is the case. Sydney is a relatively young city in terms of the population age and all of the clubs and bars are packed full all night long. The list of the best nightlife places in Sydney is an extensive one and with a bit of research, you will find your personal favourite in no time. Keep in mind that the drinks in Sydney do not come cheap.

The next morning

The next morning, we recommend visiting the Sydney Aquarium. There is something about aquariums that goes well with a hangover; something almost medicinal. After the visit, you can rent out a car and take a drive outside of Sydney to the Hunter Valley where you will find the best winemakers in all of Australia, as well as some amazing restaurants. If you are not sure about your left lane driving skills, perhaps take a safer driving course, let them know you are used to driving on the right.

With a city as huge as Sydney, this is just scratching the surface and we are certain that you will be coming back to this amazing city, its people and its places. Perhaps next time you will not be a single guy? Not that there is anything wrong with being one.

Berlin, capital of Germany, is one of the most cosmopolitan, vibrant and youthful cities in Europe. It is the most populous city and hosts cultural options, shopping and entertainment for all tastes and budgets. The international atmosphere permeates the streets, bars and restaurants, one of the quintessential college towns in Europe. It also has excellent communications by road and by air. Berlin is one of the busiest cities of low cost flights in Europe. Hotels in Berlin are not very expensive either. There are many attractions in this city that is the summit of art and alternative culture and home to pioneering experimental musicians in styles and trend setters.

Some of the best kept secrets of Berlin are:

The Tiergarten, Berlin lung park is the second largest park in the city after the Grünewald. It’s located right in the city heart and because of its large size, it is best to cross it by bike to make the most of every corner, especially their wildest and leafy nooks. It features a cemetery in which lie the remains of Red Army and one of the best kept secrets of this beautiful natural area is open to the public. It’s the nudist space offered in summer, example of progressive culture within the city. The second secret of the Tiergarten is that it can accommodate parties and barbecues freely, although always according to rules of conviviality and use. Any citizen or visitor can use the facilities and public barbecues of Tiergarten to enjoy a picnic day.

Scheunenviertel, the Jewish quarter of the city is par excellence. Located in the eastern part of Berlin, it is not always mentioned among the main Berlin attractions, but by no means is it less interesting. This outdoor museum of Hebrew culture reflects history, suffering, reconciliation and peace in the streets. Today lovers of culture, art, alternative trends and creativity, as well as those who enjoy charming cafes and a touch of modern romance, find as one of their favourite places, the Scheunenviertel in Berlin. One of the secrets of this bohemian mecca for connoisseurs of fashion and trends, are its clothing stores, where you can find unique clothes, gourmet boutiques or designer pieces.

The Free Tour is one of the best options for the most emblematic of the city from the hand of young enthusiasts who know by heart places. The duration of this tour is about three and a half hours walking on foot and the most important points of historical and cultural attractions of Berlin. The worst kept secret about this tour is that it is free. Guides accept the offerings of the participants at the end of the visit, so that each is free to remunerate the work of the same according to their criteria, if desired. It is a favorite for young and international students who come to Berlin each year to their first contact with the city options.

The route of this tour, which is normally available twice a day every day of the week, includes the Pariser Platz, the door Bandenburgo, the Parliament building or memorial Memorial to Murdered Jews of Europe and more. The tour will not ignore the history of the Hitler Bunker and will guide participants in their tour of the iconic Berlin Wall, as well as the exploration of the former SS barracks or the Gendarmenmarkt. It also includes other landmarks such as the famous Neue Wache or Bebelplatz and the TV Tower and beautiful Museum Island.

Berlin is home to some of the most interesting open secrets of European cultural scene. This city is rich in history, education, arts and entertainment and will delight our five senses. All you need is a good base of action. So it’s a great idea to find a good apartment in Berlin near the center so you are situated within reach of all the open secrets!

My background of working for many years as a holiday planner inevitably has an influence on my holidays these days. When someone was recently planning a trip to Queensland, it was only natural to suggest destinations such as the tropical rainforests near Cairns and the pristine waters of the Whitsundays’ coast. Having delved a little deeper into my research, I realised that the state’s capital demanded inclusion into the itinerary.

Brisbane may have earned a reputation as something of a Gen Y urban playground, but while there is a growing number of flagship boutiques and Melbourne-inspired laneways, there is more to it than inner city bravado. Basing the trip from CBD, close to the lush botanical gardens, the first morning of the plan takes you to Cleveland, gateway to North Stradbroke Island. ‘Minjerribah’ to its indigenous Quandamooka people and ‘Straddie’ to other locals, the island is a favourite getaway for many city dwellers wishing to explore the native wildlife.

Having arrived by ferry at the main port of Dunwich, one heads along Nazi Road to the Blue Lake area, in the Naree Budjong Djara (‘My Mother Earth’) National Park, the base for two walking tracks, Neembeeba and Karboora. Given the often-high temperatures, it’s usually best to opt for the easier 5km return trip through the banksias and eucalypts of the Karboora trail. The area is home to birds such as honeyeaters and lorikeets as well as many freshwater fish and the golden wallaby. Venturing north by car to the popular Point Lookout, you can cast your eye out towards the migrating humpbacks and playful dolphins, all the while soaking up the stunning coastal views.

Returning at dusk you can still catch a bus up to the renowned Caxton Street precinct for a well-earned cocktail at the kitsch Statler & Waldorf. Across the road is the newly-established Brewski, which specialises in craft beer and gourmet pizza. While the next day’s plans demand a sensible bedtime, you may find it hard to prise yourself away from the lively atmosphere of the strip.

Whilst the well-known and nearby Mt Cootha provides hikers and cyclists with rewarding city views for the physical challenges they present, you can also take an early morning drive north towards the volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains NP. If you feel guilty about taking the easy option, try taking a hike up Mt Tibrogargan’s summit route, at the end of which you will find yourself a satisfying 364m above sea level. For the less experienced, the Tibrogargan or Trachyte walking circuits would be a safer option. After that, there’s time for a quick lunch before setting off to Mt Beerwah, the highest of the four peaks in the range and home to many birds including peregrine falcons, kookaburras and cockatoos as well as koalas, goannas, echidnas and well-camouflaged kangaroos.

If you have an interest in such things, the rapidly growing alternative and vegan culture of the West End, one of Brisbane’s most multiciltural of suburbs should be your next stop. Enjoy the raucous live music of the Lock ‘N Load Bistro. Enter the narrow, bustling bar that possesses a lush beer garden, an unusual rarity in Brisbane. Among the vegan offerings on the menu are the spiced sweet potato falafels with quinoa salad, a wholesome and delicious choice. If you’re in the party mood, head on over to ‘the valley’, where locals go to party into the wee hours. More live music is usually on offer at the New Orleans-themed Papa Jacks, where the attentive staff will whip up a cocktail from scratch based on your tastes and budget (as long as it stretches over $15, that is).

After partying at the Family nightclub, it may be time to call it an evening (a rather late evening, all the same) and retire to reflect on the two extremes of this amazing and unique city. From its invigorating natural beauty to a hip and happening urban scene, Brisbane caters for many and disappoints few.

Author Bio
Mary Ann Keeling is a travel planner from Brisbane. She is still in love with her home town and always in the mood to talk about life in the city. In her free time she likes to drive her bike through the Brisbane suburbs.