Cambridge City Guide

Bergen. Norway Tour Guide. Bergen is the Gateway to the Fjords of Norway. As a UNESCO World Heritage City and a European City of Culture, the Bergen region has the ideal combination of nature, culture and exciting urban life all year around. Bergen has long stood out as a bold and innovative city of culture. In Bergen, "local" does not equate to unimportant or amateurish. Here, local artists are one step ahead, both nationally and internationally. They are simply performing at world-class levels! Surrounded by seven hills and seven fjords, Bergen is a beguiling city. During the early Middle Ages, it was an important seaport and a member of the Hanseatic League, as well as Norway's capital a heritage that can still be glimpsed in the beautifully preserved wooden buildings of Bryggen, now protected as a Unesco World Heritage site. Chocolate-box, clapperboard houses creep up the hillsides, ferries flit around the fjords, and a cluster of excellent art museums provide a welcome detour, and not only in case Bergen's notoriously fickle weather sets in. Meanwhile, a large student population ensures the city has a buzzy bar scene and nightlife, and easy access to nature means you're minutes away from complete tranquillity.

Brussels Travel Guide, Belgium. Brussels has been the de facto capital of the European Community (and now European Union) for decades, and for a good reason. The city's gothic and baroque-style squares, set between medieval streets, are the playgrounds of international politicians and adventurous tourists alike. Authentic Belgian fare offers full three-course meals, and daily doses of chocolate and beer are worth every cent. Brussels is cosmopolitan in ways other cities are not it's truly multilingual (French and Dutch) and almost a third of its residents aren't Belgian. The multicultural influences have led to an explosion of museums, marketplaces, restaurants and boutiques that make it far more than just a sleepy alternative. These Brussels tourist attractions will keep you and children well entertained during your Brussels vacation. They are best visited during daytime. And during evening, you can enjoy some of the great Brussels restaurants and bars. The best way to see Brussels attractions comfortably is the well known hop-on hop-off bus. Also worth considering is the Brussels card, which features discounts for Brussels attractions, free entrance to museums and public transport pass

Boston Historical Information, Massachusetts. USA Tour Guide. Boston is a historic city, with old colonial buildings, a long history, and a strong link to the founding of the country. Bostonians are very proud of their city and show their Boston pride any chance they can. I grew up in this city and even with all my world travels, Boston is still one of my favorite cities in the world. Though one of the biggest cities in the country, it has more of a large town feel to it than that of a metropolis. In this college town, you'll find friendly locals, die-hard sports fans, great bars, good restaurants, and a ton of American history. Don't miss out. Boston is one of North America's most beautiful cities, offering visitors a unique blend of historical sites and modern attractions, beautiful waterfront views and lush parks, wonderful hotels and restaurants, and more exciting events and things to do and see than you can possibly fit into one visit. The arts have thrived in Boston ever since the 19th century, when this cultural capital was dubbed the Athens of America. Certainly, the intellectual elite appreciated their fine paintings and classical music, but they were also dedicated to spreading the cultural wealth, establishing museums, libraries and symphony orchestras for all to enjoy. Today the lucky residents of (and visitors to) Boston benefit from their largesse. These venerable institutions play an integral role on Boston's cultural stage, which has significantly expanded to include dynamic contemporary art, music and theater scenes.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1877.

Bruges, Belgium. Trip, Ecological Study. Good wine doesn't need a crown. There is no place in Belgim where so many remains of Middle Ages can be found as in Bruges. The history of Damme has always been closely related to the history of Bruges. Together they knew their times of glory, which made them infamous all over the known world. But they also went down together when the Zwin silted up and seaships could no longer reach Bruges or one of her ports. Bruges said to have originated from a Gallo-Roman settlement some 2000 years ago. At that time trade via the sea already took place here. On what is now know as the "Burg", there used to be a stronghold in the middle of the 9th century. The port was accessible directly from the sea until the middle of the 11th century. At that moment in time, the town already had grown to an international commercial center. If you set out to design a fairy-tale medieval town, it would be hard to improve on central Bruges (Brugge in Dutch), one of Europe's best preserved cities. Picturesque cobbled lanes and dreamy canals link photogenic market squares lined with soaring towers, historical churches and lane after lane of old whitewashed almshouses. For many the secret is already out; during the busy summer months, you'll be sharing Bruges' magic with a constant stream of tourists in the medieval core. To really enjoy Bruges, stay one or two nights day trippers miss out on the city's stunning nocturnal floodlighting and try to visit midweek to avoid weekend crowds. The best times to visit are in spring, when daffodils carpet the tranquil courtyard of the historic begijnhof retreat, or outside of Christmas in winter, when you'll have the magnificent, if icy, town almost all to yourself.

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