Split is the second largest city in Croatia and the center of the coastal region of Dalmatia. It’s a city where the traditional and the urban clash to form a city where the tourists can enjoy the Mediterranean to the fullest. It is visited by dozens of thousands every year and we provide you with a guide to make sure you’ll enjoy your trip to Split and experience the city in its full glory.
The most famous site in the city is the Diocletian’s Palace, built by the Roman emperor Diocletian in 3rd century AD. The historical core of the city developed around the Palace whose walls stands preserved to this day, and the Palace found its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Other great monuments of culture are the Cathedral of St. Domnius, patron saint of the city, the statue of Gregory of Nin, a medieval Croatian bishop, plus many museums and galleries exhibiting pieces from the city’s long history. Even if you’re not so interested in visiting museums, we suggest visiting the Maritime Museum and the Gallery of Fine Arts as they provide the best overview of Split and Croatian culture.
The beaches of Split are very popular among locals and tourists, as the Adriatic is warm and clean and the beaches are surrounded by parks and pine trees. The Marjan Park is a perfect place for a relaxing afternoon stroll and the most popular beach is Bačvice, where the locals engage in a water game called ‘picigin’, similar to handball. Ask them if you can join and enjoy the game yourself, since the locals are usually open to foreign visitors. And when you get tired, have a cup of coffee or a beer at one of the bars at the Promenade. Drinking your coffee for a long time and just enjoying the sun is also a vital part of Split culture!
Nightlife in Split is rich and diverse; there are many late-night coffee shops, bars, nightclubs and beach bars. Rock and music lovers will want to check out the Kocka or the O’Hara, where you can hear local indie & underground bands, those who like electro music will want to visit Hemingway Split and the Bačvice Bar, hosting both domestic and international DJs. During the summer there are some large music events as well – the biggest being the Ultra Music Festival, attracting more than 30 000 people from all over the world.
Split is also a city of sports; the football club of Hajduk is one of the city’s most recognizable symbols, with a vast army of supporters throughout Croatia. You can try out cycling, tennis, golf and various water sports, such as waterskiing and diving.
As in any major tourist center in Croatia, there are plenty of fast food diners and shops in the city, but it would be a shame if you didn’t try the Dalmatian cuisine and at least some of Split specialties. The traditional cuisine is based on fish, herbs, olive oil and boiled vegetables; some famous dishes include grilled sardines, squids, octopus salad, cuttlefish risotto, tuna and shrimps, accompanied by domestic wines or beers. These can be found in virtually all taverns and restaurants in split, just search for a sign stating ‘konoba’ (a type of tavern/restaurant) and enjoy your food!
We also encourage you to visit islands and towns in the vicinity of Split as they’ll give you a better picture of how beautiful Dalmatia is; start with the islands of Brač and Hvar, the nearby towns of Omiš and Trogir and you could even visit Biokovo and Krka National Parks. But even if you prefer to stay in Split, the city provides such a wide range of attractions that you’ll have your hands full just enjoying them
From exploring geological mysteries to ogling gold at the Perth Mint, there are numerous attractions in Perth you can do with the family even on a tight budget. If you’ve been able to score some inexpensive airline flights to Perth, here are 10 fun, family-friendly things to do for under $50.
Aviation Heritage Museum
Aircraft on display include a Spitfire, Lancaster Bomber, DeHavilland Tiger Moth and an Avro Ansen. Apart from display aircraft, the Aviation Heritage Museum also features books, photographs and other types of memorabilia and aviation heritage artefacts. The collection is extensive, making the museum a great destination for all the family.
Cottesloe Beach
Probably the most popular beach in Perth, Cottesloe beach is easy to get to by train or car. You can choose to spend your time on the sand and in the water, perch on the grassed terrace or sitting in comfort in one of the many Cottesloe cafes and restaurants. If you want some peace and quiet, then just head a little way down either end of the beach.
The Swan River
Meandering right through central Perth, the Swan River is a great place to bring the family for a day’s fun. Whether you prefer to be on or off the water, there’s a lot to do along the Swan River. Take a boat ride or fishing trip, bike along the open, flat cycle tracks or picnic along the river bank under the trees.
Kings Park and Botanical Gardens
Only a short walk from the city centre, Kings Park is set on 400 acres of beautiful recreational and bush land. It offers views of the city and Swan River, and various restaurants and cafes to sit back and relax. If you’re feeling up to it, you can take a climb up the DNA Tower. The Botanical Gardens, with thousands of native plants and wildlife to explore, are not to be missed. A day at Kings Park and the Botanical Gardens will surely satisfy your whole family.
Western Australian Museum
With a great selection of artefacts, from dinosaurs to Aboriginal art, the Western Australian Museum easily fits in our top 10 list. The museum has regular travelling exhibitions that will keep you wanting to come back for more. Best of all, admission is free, making a day at the museum a bargain for your family.
Mettam’s Pool
If you happen to be visiting Perth in the summer, you’ll certainly be looking for somewhere to cool off. Mettam’s Pool is a great beach, located about 15 minutes from central Perth. A natural pool protected by a reef, Mettam’s Pool is a great place for young kids to swim safely. Also of interest is the abundant ocean life around the reef, making it a great place for the kids to learn to snorkel.
Fraser Avenue Lookout
Not far from the city, Fraser Avenue Lookout offers spectacular views of the Perth city centre and the meandering Swan River. This is a great place for a picnic during the day or head up in early evening to see the sunset and the city lights. If you want, you can always combine the sightseeing view with a meal at nearby Fraser’s Restaurant.
Kings Park War Memorial
Located in Kings Park, the War Memorial is an impressive structure dedicated to those who have fought and died in war. With beautiful views overlooking the Swan River, Kings Park War Memorial is a great place for a relaxing picnic or a walk through the park grounds.
Perth Mint
The Perth Mint is a stunning architectural building where you can spend an entire day with your family. With a range of exhibitions, demonstrations and activities for everyone to enjoy, the Perth Mint has guided talks, Australia’s largest natural nugget collection on display and the largest collection of gold bars to view. You can even watch gold being poured.
St George’s Cathedral
Situated in the heart of the city, St George’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral, and one of the few constructed using handmade bricks. With its beautiful jarrah roof trusses and arches, the use of Fremantle limestone, bluestone pillars and gorgeous stained-glass windows, this cathedral doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’re here for a tour or a service, St George’s Cathedral has a very peaceful and reverent feel to it.
About the Author: Born and bred in Perth, Janet Moore works as a travel guide for one of Perth’s popular city tour companies. She often contributes articles about the best ways to experience all that Perth has to offer.
If you’re heading to Scotland’s biggest city for a weekend away, there are certain things you won’t want to miss. Follow this guide to the best things to see and do in Glasgow:
Culture
Named the European City of Culture in 1990, Glasgow has since strived to maintain its status as one of the most culturally rich cities in the world. It attracts over three million tourists a year from the UK as well as the rest of the world.
Most of Scotland’s national arts organisations are based in Glasgow, including the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and the National Theatre of Scotland. These organisations offer world-class events and performances at local venues such as the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, the Theatre Royal and the Scottish Exhibition and Concert Centre.
Glasgow also has its own Poet Laureate, a prestigious title in the literary world, which was first held by Edwin Morgan and now belongs to acclaimed writer Liz Lochead.
Museums and Galleries
Cupola at Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art
The most famous of Glasgow’s museums is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which houses one of Europe’s great civic art collections. Located in the West End of the city, it has one of the largest collections of arms and armory in the world and a vast collection of natural history.
The gallery is home to European masterpieces by the French Impressionists, Dutch Renaissance and Scottish Colourists, as well as the world-famous ‘Christ of St. John of the Cross’ by the Spanish Surrealist, Salvador Dali.
Other galleries to visit include the Gallery of Modern Art and the Burrell Collection, a purpose-built gallery that opened in 1984 to house a collection donated to Glasgow by Sir William Burrell.
Food
Glasgow is home to many incredible eating establishments, from Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy cafes. Most serve fresh local produce and elegant brasseries to their hungry guests.
Chardon d’Or is run by Brian Maule, who is the former head chef at Le Gavroche, a Michelin star London restaurant. Maule opened his delightful French bistro in the heart of Glasgow with the full backing of the Roux dynasty, and fuses traditional techniques with Scottish ingredients.
The French Mediterranean dishes of La Bonne Auberge are an excellent way to round up a night out in the theatre district. Light and airy, La Bonne Auberge offers views over the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, alongside excellent service and menus created by head chef, Maurice Taylor.
For a more traditional feel, Maggie Mays offers a contemporary Scottish menu, combined with an elegant wine bar. In the evenings the place transforms in to a theatre and music venue, with bustling entertainment all year around.
Booking a Trip
Glasgow is an excellent place to spend a weekend and there are regular flights to and from the city from major UK airports and abroad. Scotland is also accessible by car, train or coach if you’re travelling up from England.
Accommodation in the city centre can book up fast so reserve apartments for your recreation stay in Glasgow as far in advance as possible. Trying to book a hotel on the day can be expensive and stressful. Instead, why not go online and book holiday apartments via Wimdu who offer accommodation in Glasgow and many other worldwide cities.
Formally the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States, located on the North Bank of the Potomac River and is surrounded by the states of Virginia to the Southwest and Maryland to the other borders.
Fourth of July Activities In Washington, D.C.
Washington D.C. is one of the most quintessential American cities there is. There are so many things to do in DC that it’s easy to get lost in all the American history. Renowned DC attractions like the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and the U.S. Capitol building pull in a majority of tourists, but there’s so much more to do and see! Arguably the best time to visit the Capitol is on the most American day of them all: the 4th of July. Just being in the city for the amazing patriotism that is showcased is enough to make anyone feel like a real American, but Washington D.C. pulls out all of the stops to make our Nation’s birthday one to remember for you and yours. Some 4th of July events are as follows:
Washington D.C.’s Independence Day Parade beginning at 11:45 a.m. proceeds from Constitution Avenue and 7th to 17th street.
4th of July at the National Archives beginning at 10 a.m. and going to 9 p.m.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (July 4th).
White House Visitor Center Family Events between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the White House Visitor Center.
Concert on the Washington Monument Grounds kicks off at 6 p.m. with the U.S. Army Concert Band right in the shadow of the Washington Monument.
The famous A Capitol Fourth Concert that goes from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (admittance begins at 3 p.m.) on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
Of course there’s so much else to do in the city that will be boosted up by the fact that it’s the 4th of July. There’s dozens of D.C. museums that it’s easy to fill your days to the brim of red, white, and blue. Over a 150 museums like The Smithsonian National Museum(s), the Newseum, and the National Museum of Crime and Punishment are all ready to let you see history up close and personal.
Amongst the most popular sites, including The Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, there’s a large amount of activities and/or tours to engage in. This includes Ford’s Theatre Tour, Ghost Tours, Lincoln Assassination Tour, and Old Town Alexandria Tour; all of which are walking tours. Before, during or after, you may also want to check out places like The Capital Visitor Center, Whitehouse Visitor Center, or The U.S. Capital Building; all of which are highly popular amongst tourists. You will then need somewhere to stay and Washington DC vacation rentals can assist you with this.
All of these attractions are amazing but nothing compares to listening to “Stars and Stripes Forever” while the sky lights up over the city with hundreds of fireworks throughout the night. Independence Day is an amazing time to celebrate America, but with all these amazing events there’s no place better to do so then the Nation’s Capitol.
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