Brussels, the Belgian capital, is often overlooked as a European vacation destination, in favour of more fashionable capitals like Paris or Rome. While we agree that Brussels is mostly distinguished as Europe’s business power-house (both NATO and the EU have their headquarters here), this does not mean one should only visit in order to advance one’s political or diplomatic career.

We think it’s about time this destination-discrimination come to a halt! Brussels is a great city to visit and is the ideal destination for those who appreciate outstanding architecture, modern art and scrumptious cuisine. Of course, Brussels is also home to some of the most delicious chocolate in the world. Bet you had forgotten about that! Brussels is also where you can savour the most delicious moules frites in the whole country.

Belgium’s national dish is a delectable combination of crispy golden French fries, served alongside a steaming bowl of super-fresh mussels cooked in a delicious broth. Book your next vacation rental in Brussels, and come taste for yourself just how appetizing this European Capital can be. For the best moules frites in town, we suggest you visit one, or all, of our favourite eateries.

Chez Léon, 18 Rue des Bouchers
Do not let Léon’s appearance fool you into thinking this is a sub-standard touristy joint. Yes, it is rather large, and yes it is full of tourists. We also agree that the menus have a kind of take-away-pub-grub look to them; but let us guarantee that all you’ll savour here are possibly the best moules frites in Belgium.

Their moules recipes, which have also been exported to France, draw in the crowds like no place else. Can’t really blame the owners for wanting to exploit their reputation! Besides, this place has been operating for well over a century; they certainly know what they’re cooking. Around 25Euros will buy you a serve of mussels and as many fries as you can possibly eat; now that’s a bargain in any language. Book a table and you get to skip the long queues.

Aux Armes de Bruxelles, 13 Rue des Bouchers
Another crowd pleaser is the Aux Armes de Bruxelles, a rather elegant restaurant spread out over two floors. The ground floor brasserie enjoys a much more casual feel, while the finer dining setting of the second floor is a little quieter. The services, and mussels, are second to none; we highly recommend ordering the mussels cooked in a white wine & provençales sauce, it’s a bread dipper’s dream.

Restaurant Vincent, 9-10 Rue des Dominicains
It seems that Monsieur Vincent is out to conquer the world, one delicious mussel at a time. His namesake restaurant is casual, relaxed, yet still brimming with professionalism. This is the place you come to, to try raw mussels, which are usually savoured with only a hint of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Utterly fresh, and incredibly addictive, the mussels at Vincent’s come in half a dozen different serving styles, so choose one and dig in!

Long considered a quintessential contemporary art exhibition, the Venice Biennale Art Festival draws in hundreds of artists and hundreds of thousands visitors to its shoreline every other (odd) year. Should you be planning a holiday in Venice, keep in mind that the next Biennale will be held in the spring of 2013, however, various ‘parts’ of the exhibition are actually presented every few months (of every year); so research a particular artistic discipline you’re interested in, and then book that perfect vacation rental accordingly.

What started as a simple showcase of local Italian artists in 1894 has morphed into the most prestigious exhibition the world has ever seen. International interest in the Biennale was sparked soon after the exhibitions began, with curators showing preference for increasingly new, and innovative, art representations. Whilst this show may have relied almost entirely on decorative arts at the start, its transition into modern art, and all that is visually appealing was quite swift. By the early 1900s there were already several countries represented, yet the exhibition gained its premium momentum in the years between the two World Wars.

By the mid-30s art disciplines like music, cinema and theatre were included, which saw the inception of the world-famous Venice Film Festival in 1936. By 1999 dance and ballet were also included, rounding off this art fair in beautiful fashion.

Nowadays, over 80 countries are represented, in innumerable pavilions spread out throughout Venice. From the wonderful to the bizarre to the utterly questionable (think colossal chandeliers made entirely of shrink-wrapped tampons), the art on show ought to inspire, and sometimes puzzle, the most discerning of art enthusiasts.

Organized and well-established pavilions are to be found in the Giardini della Biennale, an area of parkland (between St Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace in Castello), now exclusively dedicated to hosting permanent exhibition which are part of the Biennale.

Temporary exhibitions, as well as often Festivals, such as that of Modern Dance, Music, Theatre and Architecture are scattered throughout the city, giving visitors an even better reason to get lost and explore Venice’s nooks and crannies, and especially the city’s museums, libraries, palaces and theatres.

The Arsenale gifts a particularly intriguing visit, mostly because it is only open to the public when an exhibition is showing as part of the Biennale. The Arsenale is a closed roof space of almost 50,000m², which was the ancient production dock for the city of Venice. The fleet of the Serenissima was built here, so the Arsenale represents an iconic part of Venice’s military and naval history. The Arsenale was first used to host the architectural exhibitions of the Biennale in the 1980s, and it has found a rather honourable and worthy use in the last three decades.

Do yourself a favour and include at least one Biennale exhibition during your next visit to Venice; we guarantee you’ll be enthralled and enticed no matter how honed in your artistic instincts are. If not, never mind, you are after all…in Venice!

PS: Careful! The biennale is the most popular event in Venice (yes! it attracts more visitors than the carnival!) so make sure you book your Venice apartment well in advance! As we always say Early Bird, Happy Bird!

There’s nothing quite like a New York holiday to refresh and revitalize the soul. The ‘city that never sleeps’ has so much to offer the discerning traveller that figuring out where to start is a challenge. You could, however, start by renting a New York apartment on the Upper East Side, as the choice of restaurants and cafés there is endless! To help you better plan your holiday, and get you ready for a full day’s exploration, we’ve scoured the best places to enjoy a full breakfast. So dig in and enjoy New York in all its morning glory, and start your days in culinary bliss.

Sarabeth’s Restaurant- C1295 Madison Avenue
Located on hip and trendy Madison Avenue, this inviting joint is a world away from the hustle and bustle of New York City streets. With its charming country-style décor, and extensive breakfast menu, this is the one place you may want to return to time and again. The in-house bakery is popular with locals and you’ll be amazed at how many people chose to start their day with some yumminess from Sarabeth’s. As the menu suggests, the omelettes really are ‘extraordinary’ and the range of organic ingredients here is marvellous. The fat and fluffy pancakes, served with fresh strawberries and topped with the best maple syrup you’re likely to savour, should satisfy the pickiest sweet tooth. Breakfast is served until 3.30pm, making this the ideal place should you wish to sleep in just a little on your New York vacation.

Candle 79 – 154 East 79th Street
Candle 79 is a fantastic vegan restaurant, offering incredible breakfast dishes. If the mere word ‘vegan’ is enough to make you roll your eyes, let us tell you that ‘healthy’ has never tasted this delicious! Candle 79 is consistently rated as one of the best restaurants in New York; even self-acclaimed carnivorous have deemed this place to be ‘one of the best eateries in town’.

Candle 79’s home-style pancakes are to die for! Topped with a ginger infused maple syrup, these pancakes will make grown men weak at the knees. This restaurant takes creative vegetarianism to a whole new level.

Le Pain Quotidien – 1131 Madison Ave
‘Dear Lord, give us today our daily bread’, or so the prayer says. Now we may not be particularly religious, but when it comes to loading up on carbs first thing in the morning whilst on holiday…we’ll make an exception. Le Pain Quotidien (or daily bread in French) is a bakery institution in Manhattan and an absolute must visit. Not only do they bake their own breads and pastries every day, but their range of homemade preserves, jams and cakes will certainly bring on a religious experience in even the most avid sceptic.

A true authentic NY breakfast
For the most authentic of all New York breakfasts, here’s a little insider tip: get up just before sunrise and head to Central Park. On your way, stop at the first pretzel street stand you come across and order a freshly baked pretzel and a take-away coffee. Next, find yourself a glorious bench in the Park and watch New York wake from its slumber in the most atmospheric and magical place in town.

It is often said that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but we beg to differ. We say shoes are a girl’s best friend darling sweetie. Paris, the most chic of European capitals, is considered by all self-respecting shoe worshippers as the absolute mecca, and a visit here a dream to fulfil at least once in a lifetime, if not once a year. Indeed, a shoe shopping spree in Paris is considered by some to be a religious experience like no other.

The French capital is renowned for being the cradle of style, elegance and effortless beauty. Paris is not only home to some of the most famous shoe-brands in the world, but it also attracts the most talented up-and-coming artists and designers, meaning you will find that ‘one of a kind’ pair of heels no matter how much (or little) you spend. When planning your trip to Paris, we suggest you concentrate on THE shopping district of St. German-des-Prés.

Stylish, gorgeous and very Parisienne, St. Germain is not only one of the most elegant parts of Paris, but it is also a bubbly and vibrant university quarter. Long established boutiques sit alongside trendy new bars; perfectly coiffed middle-aged madams rub shoulders with pierced and tattooed young scholars. A sojourn in St. Germain is a feast for all the senses, and you can make your vacation even more authentic by renting a vacation apartment nearby.

To help you better plan your shoe-shopping expedition, we’ve compiled a list of our very favourite shoe stores in St. Germain. Grab a map, a baguette and shop your feet out!

Boulevard Saint-Germain
The main shopping street in St German bears its name, and is home to some of the most iconic names in shoe fashion, from Armani to Gucci to Chanel. Located on the left bank of the River Seine, this boulevard is tree-lined, vibrant and très chic! Don’t forget to rest your tired feet by pausing at one of the many cafés and enjoying a pastry (or three). Shoe shopping is hard work we know, so reward yourself regularly.

Le Bon Marché, rue de Sevres
Known as one of the best shopping centres in Paris, the ‘good market’ is reputedly the world’s first ever department store. Just about every brand is found here and the seasonal sales attract thousands here every single day. Found on Rue Lobineau, Le Bon Marché could well become a daily place of pilgrimage for shoe lovers.

Rue du Dragon
St. Germain may be stylish and designer oriented BUT it is also a hip and trendy university quarter, meaning this is also where you’ll find fantastic bargains, aimed at the cash-flow-challenged local uni students. For great deals on top-notch shoes, head to Rue du Dragon (a side street of Boulevarde St. Germain) and follow it all the way past the Rue du Four intersection.

Rue de Rennes
Yet another fabulous shopping experience is to be had on Rue de Rennes.
For a more specific recommendation, head to Jonak shoe store, on Rue Cassette, which runs off Rue de Rennes. Local residents are faithful followers and here you’ll find well known brands like Gap, Zara and H&M, at heavily discounted prices. We’re not sure how they do it…but we’re so glad they do!

Amsterdam, often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, is an exciting and romantic holiday destination. The capital of Netherlands offers innumerable attractions, and spending a few days (or weeks) here will certainly invigorate and beguile the most discerning of travelers. Unlike its southern Italian counterpart, however, Amsterdam is also a city where your taste-buds can embark on a world-wide culinary trip.

Home to a vast array of ethnic eateries, Amsterdam is a European capital like no other. So rent an Amsterdam vacation apartment in the Centre Dam and hop on our epicurean-express. Come taste for yourself just how far you can go!

La Pampa, 21 Paleisstraat
Want to taste the best Argentinian steak in the world? Then head to Amsterdam! It’s not difficult to spot this steak-house in Dam Square; just look for the long line of salivating carnivores vying for a table. This very affordable eatery brings you the very best of Argy produce; the steaks are enormous, juicy and cooked to perfection. Dishes are served with a generous serve of chimichurri, (a spicy and tasty topping sauce) and a healthy portion of chunky chips. La Pampa also has a wide selection of seafood platters and there’s the odd vegetarian dish on the menu too. Buen provecho!

Treasure, 115-117 Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal
For an authentic and rewarding Asian treat, then head to Treasure, one of Amsterdam’s very best Chinese restaurants. Whilst noodle-houses abound in this city, Treasure is a step above the rest and offers delectable dishes from Beijing, Shanghai, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. The décor may not be ground-breaking but really, who cares? The food is excellent and the prices unbeatable, so if a fantastic Chinese meal tickles your taste buds head to Treasure and satisfy those urges!

Ghandi, 54 Damrak
For an Asian culinary experience of a different kind, head to Ghandi and taste Indian food the way it’s supposed to be eaten; in copious amounts and with a LOT of spice! The Punjab chefs will do their utmost to test your Scoville-tolerance levels, but we promise your taste-buds will jump for joy at the treat! The menu is not very extensive, but what they do serve, they serve superbly…and what more can one ask for? Ghandi may be hard to find (look for a sauna shop in the centre of the square, then head downstairs), but it will be well worth the effort.

Manneken Pis, 41 Damrak
We don’t know about you, but we like to consider French Fries an ‘ethnic’ dish. Sure, why not, we all make fries but trust us on this, once you taste the fried potatoe sticks at Manneken Pis, you’ll be happy to call them anything you like. This is where Amsterdammers come to replenish their spud supplies and, just to keep things ‘interesting’, we suggest you try the pataat oorlog variety. A serving of crispy fresh fries topped with mayo, onions and peanut butter sauce is sure to go down in history as one of the most unusual gastronomic experiences of your life. By the way, it somehow works.

Song Kwae Thai Food, 14A Kloveniersburgwal
Some say it is not possible to survive solely on Thai fish-cakes, but we could easily argue that hypothesis. Head to Song Kwae in Nieuwmarkt and visit the Thai haven which confirmed our conviction. This joint is very affordable and the fun atmosphere makes for a truly enjoyable Thai eating experience. Yum yum…

Nestled cozily in the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand is a tiny little haven of pure deliciousness. Koh Tao a world-renowned diving mecca, and is slowly emerging at the forefront of Koh Samui’s most popular day-trip destinations. It’s hard to imagine that this tropical paradise was once a detention island for political prisoners. Blimey, even we would contest a political point or two if a few years here would be our punishment!

Glistening white sand, abundant sea life and perfect year-round temperatures are what await you in Koh Tao…an island that’s almost too perfect for words. Visiting on a snorkeling day trip from Koh Samui is absolutely imperative, and a great way to get away from it all for a few hours. To make your planning even easier, we’ve compiled a guide to the easiest and most enjoyable ways to discover this priceless gem; so book your Koh Samui holiday villa today and come see for yourself what paradise looks like.

Activity agents abound on Koh Samui, and tours offered are quite standard; so shop around for the best deal, and have an unforgettable snorkeling experience.

Tour by speed boat…

The most popular option is the day-trip from Koh Samui by speed boat. Getting there super-fast seems to be what most people desire so as to have more time to spend in (and out) of the water. All agencies will offer pick up from your villa, or a popular hotel nearby. You’ll be escorted to Bophut Pier where you’ll board your speedboat which will first head to Koh Nang Yuan. A morning snorkel session in this ocean planetarium will see you whet your appetite for even better things to come. A relaxing lunch upon arrival in Koh Tao will provide the perfect introduction to this most magical of all the Thai Gulf islands. Your afternoon options are plentiful…snorkel, sun-bake, snorkel, sun-bake, snorkel….you get the drift. These trips include entry to Koh Nang Yuan, a delicious lunch, an knowledgeable English speaking guide, your snorkel equipment and even accident insurance. Expect to pay around 2000THB, which is about 40GBP.

Some agencies offer this tour in reverse, spending the morning in Koh Tao and moving onto Koh Nang Yuan in the afternoon. It matters very little…the most alluring of aspects is that these islands are magnificent no matter what the order of your visit is!

Tour by catamaran…

Designed for those who enjoy the travel as well as the destination, a snorkeling day-trip by catamaran is pure bliss. As with the speed boat tours, pick-up and drop-off is also included, as is a full lunch and all the snorkeling equipment you’ll need. Catamarans leave from Lomprayah Pier and are inclusive of on-board English speaking guide. The trip may be slower than on a speedboat, but perhaps this adds to the charm. Sit back, relax and let the fresh sea breeze work its magic on your soul. Catamaran tours are slightly cheaper than speed boat tours, so expect to pay about 30GBP.

Tour by Seatran…

The largest of all the vessels here is the Seatran Discovery, a ferry which provides regular daily transfers to and from Koh Tao. The public transport of the East is said to be fabulous and, at merely 24GBP for a return trip, who’s to argue? Pack your own snorkeling gear and catch the 8am ferry from the Bank Rak Tourism Port. Once on Koh Tao, head to Sairee Beach, the largest and best established of all the Koh Tao beaches. Organize a taxi from the port and arrange a pick up time. Don’t forget that the last ferry will head back at 3pm!

Spend a day snorkeling in the pristine waters of Koh Tao and be swept away by the inherent beauty of Thailand.

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia in Spain, hit the world tourism stage in the early 90s, when it grabbed the news headlines for hosting one of the most successful Olympic Games in history. Since then, millions of discerning travelers have been descending on its coastal shores to take in the sites, history and ambience of this vibrant and captivating city. Thanks to the international exposure, Barcelona has undergone a makeover of colossal proportions; morphing it into one of Europe’s most fashionable capitals.

The Eixample district, once a prime exemplar of grid-like urbanization, is now the trendiest suburb in town; booking a Barcelona holiday apartment in the Eixample district will definitely put you in the centre of the action. This hamlet of open air markets, designer stores and trendy eateries is the ideal destination for tourists who wish to have the very best of Barcelona right at their door step.

To give you a taste of what Eixample has to offer, we’ve compiled a list of the top three most popular restaurants around. Not only are these places infinitely popular with Barcelona’s ‘it’ crowd, but they also offer gastronomic experiences second to none. So don’t wait…dig in!

Cornelia & Co, Carrer de València, 225
Cornelia & Co is often referred to as a “picnic haven” but we must be honest…our childhood family picnics never tasted like this! We thought all families munched on Jatz and salami, but it turns out in Barcelona, picnic baskets are filled with the most delectable epicurean treats ever made. Think endless assortments of cheeses, dips, cold-cuts, home-made pasta, sushi and freshly baked pastries.

This gourmet deli satisfies the cravings of the pickiest connoisseur and, to help you suffer a little less (must we really wait until we leave to gorge?) also boasts a superb eat-in option. The restaurant section continues the trend and atmosphere of the store; with wooden paneling, earthen colors and an ever so cozy set-up. This trendy eatery is yet another pet project of the Taruella family, arguably Barcelona’s biggest food emporium creator. Renowned as one of the most fashionable eateries in Eixample, the chic crowd here actually eats; it’s THAT good.

El Tragaluz, Passatge de la Concepció, 5
For a modern and quintessentially Barcelonan eating experience, we suggest you head to El Tragaluz, one of the most stylish and luscious restaurants in Eixample. Set amidst the world of designer stores, El Tragaluz offers unique fusion cooking set in a super-trendy setting.

The restaurant is in a restored two-storey townhouse; the ground floor is the café/bistro section, with more formal dining to be had on the second floor. The flawless interior design satisfies the eyes, while the contemporary cuisine indulges the taste buds. If the cream-cheese stuffed zucchini flowers and home-made truffle tagliolini don’t satisfy your wishes, maybe the suckling pig with pineapple confit will do the trick.

An extensive and varied wine list is the cherry on the cake.

Boca Grande, Passatge de la Concepció, 12
Every major world capital has a restaurant that’s just the bees ‘knees. In Barcelona, that would be Boca Grande, a joint that’s made to see and be seen. Football players, actors and anyone in the know congregates in this classy joint to share eat, drink and people-watch. The ground floor restaurant specializes in shellfish with delectable crab, prawn and scallop dishes amongst the crowd favorites. The cuisine is innovative and ingredients super-fresh, making this probably one of the best food choices in Eixample irrespective of its trendiness-factor!

The upstairs bar is where the real action is; the high ceilings and timeless wooden floor boards beautifully complement the gorgeous glass and mirror centre bar. The cocktail menu is impressive, as is their wine lists, giving you plenty of reasons to stay up well after your bedtime and enjoy the live music.

Boca Grande also solves one of the biggest conundrums of the club-going world. Is it just us, or have you ever postponed a visit to the little girl/boy’s room so as not to miss a beat of the hypnotizing tunes? Despair no more! The in-bathroom DJ at Boca Grande is quite the hit.

A visit to the beautiful beachside Vancouver suburb of Kitsilano (or Kits in the local lingo) soon reveals a mixed-bag of residents and attractions. From heritage-listed buildings to seaside arty stalls, the first question which springs to mind is “Is this the newest suburb in town, or the oldest?” Well, to be honest, it’s actually both! Rent a Vancouver holiday apartment in Kits and step into its multicolored past.

Kistilano was named after a Squamish Chief, and reflects the influx of the early settlers, who moved in at the beginning of the 19th Century to partake in the areas’ earliest commercial ventures. These Indian natives were eventually evicted from the land when mass-urbanization began; but in 2001 an 11-acre Native Reserve was set up to honor Kits’ early residents.

Kits was initially set to become one of the country’s foremost coal-mining regions, but the project never really took off. At the beginning of the 1960s the land was purchased by the government and turned into a communal living neighborhood. This unusual turn of events lead Kits to become one of the hippiest areas in Vancouver; the low-cost housing attracted the city’s struggling artists and immigrants and this, together with the splendid background of coast-meets-mountains, also attracted the most ardent tree-huggers around. Not surprisingly, it was right in Kits that both Greenpeace and the Green Party were founded.

Whilst the area has never really shaken off this unconventional image, things are slowly changing, and Kits is swiftly running the risk of becoming one of the most elite suburbs in Vancouver. The irony!

In fact, Kits is so popular nowadays, that property prices are soaring and attracting a whole different crowd downtown. Having said that, however, it’s not all bad news! If yuppies are to the 21st century what the hippies were to the 20th century, then the change to Kits may not be as dreadful as initially feared. They may be coming here with hoards of cash; but they’re also bringing along their spiritual leaders, yoga mats and crystal collections. And lots of dogs to water the trees! Now how environmentally friendly can one get?

We agree that it’s a pity that one of the landmark open-air concert venues of the 60s has now been turned into an ultra-modern shopping centre; but to be honest the amount of alternative stores, vegetarian restaurants and organic produce stores in Kits is still outstanding. The former influx of Russian and Greek immigrants has also withstood the test of time; making Kits one of the most interesting multicultural suburbs in Vancouver.

For an authentic taste of what Kits has to offer, head to Vancouver this summer and catch a glimpse of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival or, if your desires are more gastronomically inclined, the Greek Fest. The former is held over a July week-end, whilst the latter is usually held in June. The Folk Fest is in its third decade and attracts acts, and visitors, from all over the world and is a fantastic way to experience a little of Kits’ hippie past.

So get in touch with your spiritual yoga-pant-wearing self and head to Vancouver Kitsilano on your next vacation. Spend a few days exploring lively Kits and re-energize your soul! Crystals are optional.

No Paris holiday is ever complete without a hard-core shopping spree! Be it for food, perfumes, knick-knacks, designer clothes or art, there’s no better city in the world to spend your heard-earned holiday dollars. Should you be looking for holiday rental apartment in Paris, then keep in mind that the area around the Paris opera house, the Palais Garnier, is your best bet if you want to really absorb the true essence of Parisian life. Dine, shop and feel your way through Paris, just by stepping out of your front door!

To help you on your merry Paris shopping way, we’ve compiled a walking tour which will guide you to the most popular shopping havens in the area. Start your day out front of the Opera Metro station and discover the unadulterated bliss that retail therapy can bestow on even the most discerning tourists.

Fragonard Perfume Museum

Located merely meters from the colossal Palais Garnier, this unusual museum is a true treat for your senses. The lovely collections shown in the Fragonard Perfume museum showcase almost three thousand years of perfume history! Testers and gift-boxes are also available to purchase, making this one of the most enjoyable educational outings in Paris!

Printemps de la Mode

The Printemps is often regarded as a ‘shopping temple’, and the words ‘mall’ or ‘centre’ should really be avoided here. Here is where all the gorgeous housewifes of Paris congregate on a daily basis! Accessories, clothing, home decors and innumerable other goodies can be found through Printemps’ various buildings. When the bargain hunting gets all too much, head to the 7th floor restaurant, which offers breathtaking views of the greater Paris area. On your way back down stop by Laduree, the world-renowned bakery, and recharge your batteries with a mouthwatering St Honore!

This flagship store is located on Boulevard Haussmann and is so popular, that other branches have now opened up in Tokyo and Jeddah as well.

Galeries Lafayette

The Galeries Lafayette are synonymous with haute-everything, be it couture, epicurean treats or home furnishings. The center hosts regular catwalk shows throughout the year, and the super-popular Christmas window-displays attract thousands each day in December.

Popular designer boutiques like Chanel and Louis Vuitton can be found on the first-floor, and the world-famous Lafayette Gourmet is a mecca for food aficionados. Getting lost in the enchanting floors of Lafayette must be one of the best ways to absorb this captivating cultural icon.

Les Galleries

After a full morning negotiating your way through the two largest shopping havens in Paris, you may be ready for a little change of scenery. This is when we suggest you make your way back to the Opera Metro and take a short stroll down venue de l’Opera; turn left at Rue des Petits Champ and keep walking until your reach Les Galleries, a collection of upscale shopping arcades which date back to the 1800’s. They are much smaller than Printemps and Lafayette and provide a cozy and intimate shopping experience.

The best preserved gallery is probably Vivienne; the mosaic tiled floor is a true masterpiece! There are at least six different galleries here for you to peruse, and innumerable Parisian cafes and restaurants if another little break is in order. High ceilings and marbled archways are the perfect accompaniment to the opulently dressed windows. Yes, indeed, this shopping spree will be a little pricey, but at least you’ll know you’re taking home a little piece of Parisian history.

Berlin, Germany’s capital city, has certainly come a long way in the last decades, and has emerged as one of the top holiday destinations in Europe. Its hard-luck history, combined with an unbelievable influx of foreigners, has ensured its position as one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan European capitals. A growing population of 4.5 million people, hailing from over 190 countries, has made Berlin an unpretentious, welcoming and ever so changing hub. This is one old city which has reinvented itself into a trendy and avant-garde city indeed.

Berlin is also renowned as the home of some of the world’s trendiest bars. Want to test that theory for yourself? Then head to Germany on your next vacation and rent a Berlin holiday apartment. Bar-hopping in the Mitte District will surely convince you that not all bars are created equal and that, sometimes, the most incredible gems are hidden in the most unassuming places. In the past we wrote about where to sample the best German food in Berlin and here’s a list of our very favorite bars to set you on your merry way!

ArtBar71, 71 Kronenstrasse
Berlin is to art what Paris is to romance: its utmost iconic personification. So it’s hardly surprising then, that someone came up with the idea of combining art and drink. ArtBar71 is a sleek and sophisticated joint and, whilst it ran the risk of coming across as snooty and pretentious, it really doesn’t. This is one concept gone right! The crowd is young and chic, the music acts unbelievably varied (from rock bands to drag acts and classical performers), the displays by local artists enticing and the cocktails? Oh my…well, try their deadly mojitos and you’ll soon find out! Drinks don’t come cheap at ArtBar71 but then again, if a cheap drink is what you’re after when visiting Berlin then we suggest you head to your local Biergarten instead!

40 Seconds, 58 Potsdamerstrasse
At first, we though the name came from the average time one took to drink a delicious martini in this fabulous bar but alas, we were wrong! Guess that was just us… 40 Seconds in fact, is the time it takes you to hitch a ride on the lift up to this mega galactic bar on the 8th floor of this hip Potsdamer Platz building. The décor is ultra-modern (as are the patrons), the cocktail list phenomenal and the breathtaking view of the city’s skyline from their balconies is reason alone to visit. Just leave the shorts, flip-flops and guide book at home for this one. Great music, ambience and people-watching…triple-tick!

Adagio, Marlene Dietrich Platz
Adagio could very well be the reason Berlin got its reputation as a world bar/club capital. Get ready to be bedazzled and awed by this stylish and ever-popular bar. This joint is a true sensory overload and is so completely out of character for Germany! The place exudes a sexiness one normally finds in France, Italy or Spain, and the décor is border-line Vegas. No, seriously, you’ve got to see this to believe it! From replicate Roman columns to enormous painted frescos of angels, Adagio is simply out of this world. Head to Adagio with an open mind and a healthy libido and you too can ‘celebrate in style’.

6vorne, 11 Hektorstrasse
Channel your inner Rainman and visit this numerically-cryptic bar on Hektorstrasse. ‘6-forward’ is not the latest Karma Sutra trend, but rather the name of this most gorgeous establishment.

6vorne is an institution in Berlin, and the place where locals meet for a quiet drink before moving onto more vivacious establishments (like Adagio). We never did quite find out what the name represents, however we did manage to test a good portion of their cocktail menu. Superb is the first word which comes to mind. Superb is also a great adjective to describe the fashionable and friendly crowd.

The interior design of the bar facilitates making new friends; it is cozy and relaxing, the music not too loud and the tables nice and close. If you want to see where the young and beautiful hang out in Berlin, and meet a few, then 6vorne is the bar for you.

Visit Berlin on your next vacation and turn bar-hopping into a cultural experience like no other.