CNN Travel

Appy Traveler: Best new apps for travelers

Wed, 30 Jul 2014 02:40:10 +0000

Uber for private jets, calculator to beat jet lag and an intelligent packing device -- here are the latest must-haves for your smart phones

Bookmark this article and check back in occasionally to see what new great apps we love, and think you should try.

Also see: 50 best apps for travelers ... so far

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Updated July 30, 2014

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JetSmarter

Uber for private jets.iOS: App Store

If you’re in the market for a private flight somewhere, you can now do so using JetSmarter, the Uber of the private jet world.

App users search for various carriers, request flights based on their own schedule and pay for the flight using the app. Pick-ups and drop-offs happen in private airports in or near the requested location.

Fancy a trip from Tokyo to Comoros, the archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean? That’s $351,200 to fly on a 14-seater Falcon 900.

A shorter domestic flight from San Diego to Las Vegas on a four-passenger jet costs $3,800.

JetSmarter also offers an “empty legs” feature, in which users can share the empty seats and expense with other users.

A shared 45-minute flight from Houston to Arlington among eight fliers will cost $365 per head.

PackPoint packing list builder

Calculate how many pair of socks you'll need.iOS: App Store

Android: Google Play

We hear you. "Another packing checklist? Really?"

The PackPoint packing list builder isn’t just another checklist app -- it generates a customized list of items you should pack. Especially useful for longer trips.

Travelers enter some basic information: destination, date, length of their stay and purpose of the trip.

Then users can specify their agenda -- from “fancy dinner” to “international” to “baby” -- and the app calculates what should go in the suitcase.

Weather information is taken into consideration and shown on top of the list.

Entrain

A mathematical way to beat jet lag.iOS: App Store

Entrain is like an advanced alarm/calculator, for jet-lagged travelers.

Developed by researchers from the University of Michigan, the app requires users to input their sleeping habit data -- wake up time, bedtime, time zone and typical amount of light exposure received at home.

Then, travelers can schedule a trip.

A lighting schedule will be provided – sometimes the app will recommend complete darkness during the day or some hours of bright light -- from a lamp -- at night. Travelers following the schedule should overcome jet lag faster.

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Updated May 17, 2014

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Uber

The "appy" way to hail a cab.iOS: App Store

Android: Google Play

Uber hit 100 cities with the launch of Beijing last month, and what many call the fastest growing company in the world is adding more cities fast.

When you open the app in any of the 100-plus Uber cities and order a car, the app will estimate the arrival time and send a text saying your driver is on the way.

A small photo with the driver's name and phone number pops up on the app, while a car icon on the map shows you in real time where the car is located. Cash isn't an issue -- Uber bills your credit card at the end of the ride.

Both users and drivers can rate each other at the end of the ride using the app for other users to view.

Travelers from the Unites States should be aware, however, that Uber in Asia is a completely different beast from the Uber they may have been using back home.

Rather than a cheap taxi app with prices similar to local cabs, in Asia Uber provides a luxury experience, with much higher prices and limo chauffeurs.

SleepSounds HQ

The soothing sounds of traffic await.iOS: App Store

If years of urban living have habituated you to the nocturnal sounds of traffic honks and bakery delivery vans, this app could help you sleep in the terrifying silence of the countryside.

SleepSounds HQ has more than 500 natural and city sounds for travelers who need more than a bed to get to sleep.

The sounds fall into 19 categories including ocean, cricket & insects, fire, public places and household.

Soothing tracks like white noise and pink noise are reportedly good for traveling babies.

Others include tranquil sounds like a Himalayan stream and deep forest showers to unusual acoustics like singing around a bonfire in Denmark or a tumbling clothes dryer.

HerdTracker

Catching a great animal migration the easy way.Online app:DiscoverAfrica.com

“Morning from Ewanjan Lemala Camp in the central Serengeti, we have not started our morning game drive yet because the migration is right here, I drove through the herds yesterday afternoon and they are all over the Seronera, Makoma, Moru kopjes areas and even as far north as Mbuzi Mawa.”

That’s an update from Mashine, a safari guide in East Africa, that he sent to the Herdtracker app.

The new web app by Discover Africa, a safari tour company, provides real time map updates, potting the locations of wildlife migrations according to the pilots, safari guides and other national parks’ staff around the Serengeti and Masai Mara in Kenya and Tazania.

There are also a migration map with monthly predictions, including tips for where to stay each month in these areas.

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Updated March 17, 2014

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Google Maps

Newer and better.iOS: App Store

Android: Google Play

Windows Phone: Store

The recently launched new Google Maps app offers faster and more navigation options such as a transit route with less walking and provides live traffic or accident information en route.

Travelers can also save places on their maps and look for and share recommendations — shopping and eating venues for instance — nearby.

Some indoor maps for larger buildings like shopping malls and museums are available as well.

Worldmate

You name it, Worldmate has it.iOS: App Store

Android: Google Play

Blackberry: Blackberry World

Windows Phone: Store

Targeting business travelers, Worldmate combines all your travel booking info — flights, hotels and cars — to build a business travel itinerary as well as a schedule for business meetings.

The app also has most things a traveler night need on their smart phone — world clocks, maps, hotel booking functions and weather forecasts, to business utilities such as an Outlook add-in and integration with your LinkedIn account.

Information can be shared among colleagues.

Quintessentially

A small taste of the concierge service.iOS: App Store

Android: Google Play

The members-only concierge service is opening its door to all through its latest app. Users can purchase latest event tickets and lavish Valentine’s Day gifts, for example, within the app’s boutique. The app also provides recommendations from restaurants to spas — they named it “Q Insider."

Members can still request personalised services -- a table at booked out restaurants, a private jet to Krabi or the limited edition Birkin bag, say, through the app.

The app currently covers 50 cities.

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Updated January 27, 2014

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The Entertainer

Travel with style without breaking the bank.iOS: App Store

Android: Samsung App/ Google Play

Blackberry: Blackberry World

Traveling cheap or traveling well? The Entertainer has solved this particular dichotomy with its coupon app.

Founded in Dubai, the Entertainer used to be a book of coupons sold in bookshops. But the brand has launched an app to serve the same purpose through your mobile device.

The app covers 23 cities so far, with more to come, and has recently launched in Hong Kong with partners like French Window (French restaurant) and Gentlemen’s Tonic (high-end barbershop).

It explores various merchants -- from hotels to hairdressers to restaurants -- near your location that offer buy-one-get-one-free discounts.

Users just have to show the app and redeem the coupon when they’re at the location.

The Converted by Ideon

Converter for the world.iOS: App Store

While most travel converters take care of currency conversions, the Converted by Ideon is an ultimate all-in-one conversion app.

Currency and Imperial-metric -- such as Fahrenheit-Celsius and mile-kilometer -- conversions are all included.

The interface is minimal yet stylish, allowing users to drag a converter bar, rather than input discrete quantities.

Wikitude

More fun than reality.

iOS: App Store

Android: Google Play

Blackberry: Blackberry World

Windows Phone: Store

Better late than never.

Launched five years ago, Wikitude has been one of the best Augmented Reality browsers according to Augmented Planet and CNN.

By using the camera in your smartphone to view your neighborhood, information will appear on the screen, hovering over relevant locations.

The app syncs a user’s location with restaurant reviews from TripAdvisor and Yelp, photos and tweets about the same location from your friends’ social network accounts as well as details of the attractions from Wikipedia.

The app also doubles as a currency converter. User just have to scan a bank note using the app to convert it into multiple currencies.

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Updated November 5, 2013

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Hotel Tonight

Impulsive trips made easy.iOS: App Store

Android: Google Play

What if you booked a room in the wrong Oxford? There are 22 Oxfords in the U.S. alone. Or what if you have an unexpected layover because the airline messed up your booking?

This is when last minute apps like Hotel Tonight come in handy.

The app also guarantees the best rates possible and offers 24/7 real-person customer support via phone or email.

Note that it's only compatible with iOS 7.0 for apple devices.

City Maps 2Go Offline Maps

Head for Starbucks just for the 30-minute free Wi-Fi? No more. iOS: App Store

Android: Google Play

No more overpriced data-roaming fees.

City Maps 2Go Offline Maps' greatness is as straight-forward as its name -- it provides pre-downloaded city maps which don't require any Wi-Fi or roaming data once you're at your destination.

As well as providing offline GPS services, the app also pins locations of bars, restaurants and shops.

The free version only allows limited downloads of maps.

The Roller Coaster Guide

And the fastest wooden roller coaster ride with the longest drop is …iOS: App Store

Aimed at a very niche market, the Roller Coaster Guide allows riders to browse through a database of over 5,000 roller coasters -- with photos -- to find out the speed and height of their upcoming ride.

Or they can filter the rides by the height, top speed or even build material to decide the next theme park to visit.

The best feature: the app supports ticket booking and offers exclusive discounts daily.

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Updated June 25, 2013

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Pingspot

A virtual pin board for all your favorite outlets. iPhone, iPad: App Store (Free)

Imagine a virtual pin board that flags you and your friends' favorite restaurants and shops.

That's Pingspot in a nutshell.

The app allows you to ping places you visit, leave a photo and a recommendation for your friends, so that together, you can discover the best eats and hippest outlets around you.

Flying

Facebook, but for airports. iPhone, iPad: App Store (Free)

Flying is a fun and quirky way to keep track of your flights and share your trips with your friends.

Not only does Flying provide the basics of your trips, including departure time, terminal and gate number, it does so in a fun and slick way to make "the act of flying feel special again."

You can also interact with your friends and earn stamps for each flying achievement you've unlocked. Flying also keeps track of the total distance you've flown throughout your trips and shows your journeys on maps.

Flying is currently in public beta.

iStone

Language barriers busted with iStone. iPhone, iPad: App Store (Free)

Worried about asking for directions to the bathroom when you're stranded in the middle of a shopping mall in Paris? iStone may be your savior.

iStone is a translation app that is designed for travelers without any great linguistic skills. It records and translates into 12 languages and comes equipped with more than 300 useful phrases.

iStone also features native pronunciation and requires no Wi-Fi.

iStone basic version is free.

Packing Pro

Packing Pro takes the stress out of packing. iPhone, iPad: App Store ($2.99)

We've all gone through it -- half way to the airport you remember you've forgotten to pack something essential. Or even worse, arriving at the airport to realize your passport has expired.

Clumsy travel "accidents" are common, and hard to avoid. Packing Pro tries to help.

With Packing Pro's customizable lists, users can plan what to bring for every type of trip, from a luxurious family holiday to a budget backpacking adventure.

The newly upgraded Packing Pro can be synced over iCloud and lists can be shared via email.

Postagram

Virtual postcards that materialize in your recipient's real mailbox. iPhone, iPad: App Store (Free)

Android: Google Play (Free)

Sick of sending cliched touristy postcards? Travelers can surprise their special someone with a one-of-a-kind, personalized postcard of a photo from their phone, Facebook or Instagram.

Postagram allows you to design your own postcard by choosing a picture and adding a message.

Within days, the postcard will be mailed to the recipient's (real) mailbox. Postagrams also come personalized with the profile picture of the sender.

For a limited time, new Postagram users will be able to mail their first five postcards free of charge. Afterwards, each postcard will cost $0.99 for U.S. addresses and $1.99 for international ones.

Photosynth

Photosynth can shoot 3D images, something even most DSLR cameras can't do. iPhone, iPad: App Store (Free)

Windows Phone: Windows Store (Free)

Thousands of photo apps out there, but how many allow you to take 3D and 360-degree pictures?

For travelers who want to remember everything around them, Photosynth offers an upgrade from the average photo app.

It captures images not only from left to right, but also up and down, stitching them together to create a 360-degree view of your surroundings.

Once you've created a Photosynth, you can share it on social media.

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Updated March 6, 2013

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Fly Delta for iPad

No need for weeks of planning. You can fly by the seat of your pants with this handy app.iPad: App Store (Free)

Fly Delta, like any decent airline app, is equipped with check-in tools, e-boarding passes and gate info.

But this app’s most download-worthy feature is its “Glass Bottom Jet.”

It provides a bird’s eye view of locations you’re flying over, allowing users to explore the area with photos, landmarks and Wikipedia pages. It will also tell you which Facebook friends you’re flying over.

You can spin the globe to explore worldwide destinations. They come complete with shopping and dining guides.

Your iPad will also be an entertainment system when flying Delta, accessing in-flight movies and the downloadable Sky magazine, as well as highlighting destination related music and movies.

101 Things to do before you go abroad

There's more to England than London and fog.iPhone, iPad: Facebook App (Free)
Android: Facebook App (Free)

VisitEngland’s Facebook app is building a list of 101 best English experiences.

The national tourist board wants locals to consider looking around their homeland before vacationing abroad. International travelers can also use this colorful interactive map to find activities all over England.

Everyone is invited to vote and offer suggestions. There are six themes, but for fun times too cool to categorize, they are pinned “because it’s awesome.”

Ideas are collected until March 10; nominees are announced mid-March. The complete list of 101 Things to do will be official April 23.

Some top experiences include stargazing in Exmoor’s International Dark Sky Reserve and watching the Gatehead Millennium Bridge tilt.

Splid

Splid will back you up if you get into emergencies during travel.iPhone, iPad: App Store ($0.99)

This app is like insurance against difficult situations during your travels. Splid is essentially a photo and audio app, that does not allow files to be edited or changed in any way.
Sounds like a step backward?

The idea is that the “Photoshopped” argument, where one party accuses another of falsifying or changing a picture or file, cannot be used.

Splid allows users to record their awful hotel rooms, inedible food and obnoxious travel reps and then save those file to the cloud.

If it comes down to their word against yours, Splid will have solid evidence.

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Updated January 11, 2013

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Minube

Not a fan of ours? Create your own guide. iPhone: App Store (Free)
Android: Google Play (Free)
Windows Phone: Windows Store (Free)
Minube is a e-library that stocks thousands of user-generated mini-guides.

The Madrid-based start-up social app covers 24,000 destinations in about 200 countries (and counting). There are more than 100,000 mini-guides from travelers for free or at a small cost.

The app tracks nearby spots recommended by travelers and allows users to search for locations worldwide -- from restaurant reviews at your current location to insider tips to Park Güell in Barcelona -- “How to get there without dying because of the hills” -- by browsing through an image library.

Users can also plan and interact with friends using Minube.

Springpad

Organizing can be fun, finally. iPhone, iPad: App Store (Free)
Android: Google Play (Free)
The latest smart notebook by Springpad is a hybrid of social networking and organizing with a good-looking layout.

Springpad takes the notebook to the next level by adding further details to your entries automatically. It’s handy to create a checklist for a trip -- when you add entries like hotels, restaurants or landmarks, the app will save contact information, reviews, maps and pictures.

The data can be shared with your friends on Springpad and the saved data can also be accessed offline.

Airports by TravelNerd

You can find out if there's a toilet on your way to the connecting gate before landing.
iPhone: App Store (Free)
Not just another real-time flight tracking app.

In addition to flight information, Airports by TravelNerd allows users to access information on the airport, including gate information, detailed floor maps, Wi-Fi availability and opening hours for shops and restaurants.

By using the app, users can pool other travelers who can share a taxi or just find different ways to travel to and from the airport.

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Updated November 23, 2012

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Air France Music

“Hidden tracks,” literally.iPhone, iPad: App Store (Free)

Maybe the most entertaining airlines' app -- the latest Air France app combines music player and game.

Air France's music is no longer only available onboard. App users can now "catch" the tracks hidden in the clouds (virtually) by raising their iPhones towards the sky and aiming at the music icons in the sky.

The tracks captured can then be added to the playlist. Music available will vary in different destinations -- from Barcelona to Tokyo to Buenos Aires.

Even better, some unreleased tracks, free concert tickets can also be expected several times a year through the app.

Fotopedia Wild Friends

What is this cute animal and where to spot it? iPhone, iPad: App Store (Free)

Fotopedia Wild Friends is another gorgeous photo library created by Fotonauts Inc. after Fotopedia National Parks, Heritage, North Korea, etc.

The app is packed with great shots of wild animals, educational information, as well as the stories behind the photos.

It also locates the animals' pictures on a map accordingly — it includes locations and wildlife in Europe only at the moment.

Xe Currency

Make shopping abroad easier.iPhone, iPad: App Store (Free)

Android: Google Play (Free)

Xe Currency app is the app to go for if you are not a fan of clumsy currency conversion.

Apart from just an accurate currency conversion app, it provides the historic rates for the currency. You can monitor different currencies simultaneously and rate the highs and lows of the currency before even planning the trip.

It can be used offline.

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Updated October 11, 2012

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SeatGuru

Ultimate seat planner.Apple: App Store (free)

Android: Google Play (free)
Many flight booking apps may find you the cheapest tickets but not many provide enough crucial information -- from seat pitch to the proximity to the toilet to the likeliness to be bumped -- especially for long-haul fliers.

The new SeatGuru app developed by TripAdvisor has those details covered.

It not only allows flight search but also features the website's signature color-coded seating plan -- green is a good seat and red is bad. When clicked, a pop-up box provides seating advice and amenity information.

Waze

Now you can know if you should drive to the next gas station to save money.Apple: App Store (free)

Android: Google Play (free)
Before hitting the road the next time, download Waze, a user-generated traffic information app.

The social GPS app gets drivers together to provide live traffic updates on jams, police traps, accidents and other hazards.

It also saves cost by comparing the oil prices of the gas stations along your routes or around you. Waze has partnered with a few gas stations to provide discounts through digital coupons on the app.

Its service covers more than 100 countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, Ecuador, Israel, etc. But some of them still require more users before the information available is strong.

SnapCast

Videos made easy by SnapCast.
When travel photos are not enough to show (off) what you are seeing, SnapCast may be helpful.

It’s targeted at citizen reporters but is also useful for enthusiastic travel bloggers, by allowing users to produce a 30-second, narrated video package without post-production editing. Then, you can swiftly upload and share it on social media platforms.

For now, it is still in its beta stage. Sign up on their website.

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Updated August 21, 2012

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TripIt Free

Leave your piles of confirmation letters and contact details at home.iPad: App Store (Free)

Android: Google Play (Free)

Travel is great apart from the headache you get dealing with all the itineraries, reservations, numbers and schedules.

Travel organizer TripIt helps to make your life easier in this respect.

By forwarding your travel-related emails to TripIt’s account, the app will create a calendar for you, especially handy for business and frequent travelers.

In addition to organizing, the app provides maps, weather forecasts as well as suggested restaurants and attractions.

SceneSpotter

If taking a picture in front of the Brandenburg gate no longer satisfies you, try SceneSpotter.iPad: Facebook page

Android: Facebook page

Who is more qualified than local tour guide? Several local guides from Lufthansa’s SceneSpotter app.

The airline’s new Facebook app highlights local insights and personal travel tips from Facebook users as well as specialized SceneSpotter editors.

"Users can get unique travel tips on 20 of Lufthansa’s European destinations from locals and insiders," says Dr. Torsten Wingenter, Lufthansa's head of global co-ordination social media marketing. "Therefore, experiences and tips that are not mainsteam."

"But what makes this app really valuable and sets it apart from traditional city guides is the fact that users are able to have real-time information and advice on places to see and visit, they can share these tips with their friends and also see what their friends' plans and their recommendations."

CityJet

Book and manage your flight with just a few clicks.iPad: CityJet's mobile site

Android: CityJet's mobile site
If CityJet’s 15-minute check-in promise isn't good enough for you, you may want to try the Irish regional airline’s latest app.

“The majority of our customers are smartphone users who want the convenience of accessing our services on the go,” Christine Ourmières, the CEO of CityJet said in a press release.

The CityJet app allows customers do what they normally do on website: view flight schedules, book flights, manage reservations, check-in and view flight status.

It also keeps you updated with the airline's latest deals and promotions. You will be directed to the app at m.cityjet.com in both Apple and Android devices.

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Updated June 12, 2012

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Milestones in Innovation by Boeing

History of flight, on your phone.iPad: Boeing Milestones (free

Android: N/A

For anyone who’s interested in the history of aviation, Boeing launched its first official app for iPad -- Milestones in Innovation.

Users can learn about the nine decades of aviation innovation and the airplane company’s history and highlights through high quality photos, an interactive timeline and four videos.

"This is the history of Boeing as a digital coffee table book," said Fritz Johnston, Boeing's vice president of brand and advertising.

Some highlights are 1916 when Boeing was founded by Bill Boeing, and the delivery of the 787 Dreamliner.

Condition One

Virtual reality meets vacation videos.iPad 2: Condition One (free)

Android: N/A

If looking at regular photos and videos of your vacation is not enough to bring back the memories, you might need something more impressive.

Condition One is an application that can gives you a sense of “being there."

See a video demo here.

Combining still images, narrative video and engagement with tactile controls, the app has series of first-person, 180-degree immersive videos that can be controlled by the user.

As well as the usual stop, play, pause, fast-forward options, the viewer can pan through the virtual world as if scanning it in real time.

Once this provides the option of shooting your own videos, the world of vacation filming will change forever.

Image it

Pictures speak thousands of words, in many languages.iPhone and iPad: Image it (US$0.99)

Android: N/A

Injured in a foreign country and don't know the word for bandage? "Image it” instead.

This application helps to solve the language barrier problem.

It has more than 450 pictograms in a number of set categories such as food, emergencies, accommodation and transport. Users can pick up at most three pictograms to convey a message, much like a puzzle.

The app also lets users to create their own pictograms by inserting pictures from their phones or drawing or writing on existing pictograms.

No internet required.

Kuoni brochure-browsing app

Brochures, guides, articles and more.iPad: Kuoni brochure-browsing (free)

Kuoni, a long-haul travel specialist, has launched a new application for iPad users that gives access to the company's brochures, videos, travel articles and website.

Once downloaded, the brochures can be read anytime without the Internet. And the app checks for new brochures automatically and will flag for users to notice.

“We want to make Kuoni as accessible as possible," Kuoni ebusiness and publishing vice president Matt Rooke said.

“The app self-updates so customers are getting the best quality of information on a daily basis, in a format that suits them.”

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Updated: May 7, 2012

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Ritz-Carlton's Presidential Tips

VIP treatment, even before you walk into the lobby. iPhone: Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts (free)

Android: Ritz-Carlton Hotels (free)
Guests, and even non-guests, of the Ritz-Carlton hotels can tune into the some of the best-kept secrets, VIP treatments and best deals through its new mobile app.

One of the most anticipated features is "Presidential Tips," authored by president and COO Herve Humler who shares his tips and experiences on each Ritz-Carlton hotel dotted around the world.

"I want to enrich a Ritz-Carlton experience for our guests further with details about the things I have found to be quite memorable and marvelous in my travels. With the Ritz-Carlton App I can now do that very easily and in real-time," Humler said in a press release.

The app also provides QR codes which include tours of the hotels.

For example, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua QR code will guide guests to the hotel's art collection while the Ritz-Carlton Berlin features an exclusive digital scavenger hunt led by various mobile codes and clues.

New destination and landmark tips will also be uploaded every week by Ritz-Carlton Concierge experts all over the world.

The Ritz-Carlton App is free and available on iPhone and Android.

Zuji Packman

Your very own packing buddy.iPhone: Zuji Packman (free)

Android: N/A
Love traveling, but hate the chore of packing? You need a "Packman."

Packman, launched by online travel agency Zuji, helps travelers organize their itinerary, coordinate their packing and share travel schedules.

"Holiday packing is an integral step of the journey and the Zuji Packman is designed to help organize this process while making travel planning fun and more efficient," said Zuji managing director Asia Pacific James Gaskell.

Using the app, travelers can create multiple packing lists, set up personal reminders and even see what others are packing.

"It's fast, simple and easy to put together a list, share it with your friends and get out the door, safe with the knowledge that nothing has been left to chance," Gaskell said.

ZUJI Packman is available free of charge in Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong, with an Android version to launch soon.

FlyRights

High tech way to complain, or praise. iPhone: FlyRights (free)

Android: FlyRights (free)
Mistreated at TSA (Transportation Security Administration) checkpoints in the United States? Violated? Discriminated?

Previously, there wasn't really much travelers could do when they went through uncomfortable inspections at airports.

But via a new app called FlyRights developed by Sikh advocacy group, Sikh Coalition, travelers can now file their complaints right on the spot.

Your complaint is not only is listed on the app, but can also be sent directly to the TSA's official website.

"The TSA asserts it doesn't profile -- this application will allow us to better assess whether that's true," said Amardeep Singh, director of programs at the Sikh Coalition.

The founders of the app explained that although the TSA tells its screeners not to profile, they have not adopted effective measures to guard against it. The app will hopefully push the TSA to implement better safeguard against profiling, they added.

"All travelers now have an easy way of speaking to their government on the issue of airport profiling," said Singh.

Available on iPhone and Android.

More apps reviews

We've run various articles about apps in the past.

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This is the world's biggest 3D painting

talia.marcopoto — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 03:34:11 +0000

China notches up another superlative achievement as a Nanjing-based artist creates the world's largest and longest anamorphic painting

Already home to the world's biggest freestanding building and the world's highest airport, China has completed yet another superlative achievement -- the world's largest and longest anamorphic, or 3D, painting.

Named "The Rhythm of Youth," the record-breaking piece of 3D street art was created by Chinese artist Yang Yong-chun in honor of the upcoming 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, eastern China.

Stretching 374.43 meters (1,228 feet) in length and 7 meters wide, "The Rhythm of Youth" beat the record set by a 106.3-meter-long painting created by artist Joe Hill in London in 2011.

"The idea to break a Guinness world record has always been there," says Yang.

"The project itself dates back to 2012. After learning that Nanjing will host the 2014 Youth Olympics, I came up with the plan after discussions with a student, Xu Yan-ting."

The 39-year-old Nanjing-based artist has been working on 3D paintings for the last decade and is considered a 3D anamorphic art pioneer in China.

"The inspiration behind this creation is mainly from a Chinese idiom, 'The source is distant and the stream flows a long course'," says Yang.

The Chinese phrase is intended to highlight the value of long-standing and well-established traditions.

Binoculars, walkie-talkies and a 370-meter-long canvas

Scenes in the record-setting painting include: a snow mountain, "which marks the beginning of Yangtze River -- China's mother river"; a yellow rapeseed flowerbed in Jiangnan (south of the river); and some of Nanjing's modern buildings, including the iconic Nanjing Zifeng Tower, says Yang.

"On top of the city is a floating runway, with suspended rocks and ropes to symbolize the spirit of adventure," he adds.

"Finally, the mascot of this Youth Olympics -- 'NanjingLELE' -- stands on a green lawn to highlight the Youth Olympics theme."

Planning the painting took six months but the actual execution lasted 20 days, with 20 artists assisting Yang and Xu.

They used about one ton of paint and two tons of canvas, says Yang.

Besides weather, the biggest challenge was collaborating on such a big space.

"We had to use binoculars and walkie-talkies to overcome the communication difficulties that come with working on a 370-meter canvas," says the artist.

As for what attracted Yang to this unique form of art, often referred to as "trompe l'oeil," he says it's all about accessibility.

"3D painting diffuses the boundaries and distance between one's work and the viewers," says Yang. "To a certain extent, it is like pop music -- all audiences can express themselves through the same painting."

"The Rhythm of Youth" is on display at the Communication University of China, Nanjing until August 11. (Dates may change depending on weather conditions.) Nanjing's Summer Youth Games are on from August 16-28.

MORE: Surprising Nanjing: Mini-guide to China's ancient capital

CNN Travel's series often carries sponsorship originating from the countries and regions we profile. However, CNN retains full editorial control over all of its reports. Read the policy.

CNNGo in Marrakech: Souks and Moroccan pancakes

hiufu — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 08:02:41 +0000

How to haggle over a cup of mint tea plus spectacular ways to see and escape Morocco's beautiful desert gateway

Old meets new in Morocco's 'Red City'
Marrakech's magnificent mountains
Rapper tours Marrakech hot spots

In July CNNGo travels to Morocco's red city, Marrakech.

We meet master craftsmen in the city's maze-like souks, visit the playground of the snake artists and fortune tellers; see spectacular views of the city from the air and visit a secluded village that resembles an exotic kingdom from Game of Thrones.

We also sample the delicious local pancakes and the contemporary arts scene that lies hidden beneath the city's traditional facade.

Here are some of the places we visited:

The Souks Of Marrakech

Not getting lost is as hard as not wanting to buy something in the medina.The medina, or old city of Marrakech has been luring traders and shoppers for hundreds of years.

These days, livestock and exotic foods have been replaced by indistinguishable clothing and spice stalls, but there are still unique treasures to be found in the city’s markets.

There are an estimated 5,000 stalls, grouped by craft, including the Souk el Dabbaghin (the leather tanning market) or the Souk el Haddadine (the metalwork market) all making interesting pieces for visitors to take home.

That is, if they can find their way out of the labyrinth.

MORE: Snake charmers and storytellers: Marrakech's magical medieval heart

Mustapha Blaoui's Tresor Des Nomades

Bargaining with the trader, Mustapha Blaoui, is part of the deal.Like the treasure-lined cave in Aladdin, Tresor Des Nomades is a cornucopia of Moroccan goods.

Lanterns, rugs, tea glasses, jewelry: whatever his customers want, charismatic store owner Mustapha Blaoui will dig out. If they're after something bigger -- a door from a long-gone kasbah or an antique chair -- then it's worth dusting of haggling skills to spar with Blaoui and reach a pleasing price.

It's not impolite to negotiate -- Marrakech stall owners love the ceremony of haggling and it’s hard not to love the endless cups of mint tea while you’re doing it.

Tresor Des Nomades, Rue Bab Doukkala, Marrakech, Morocco; +212 5 2438 5240

Morocco from the air

Most spectacular way to see Marrakech is up.A bleary-eyed sunrise journey from hotel room to the countryside around Marrakech for a hot air balloon ride is rewarded by spectacular views of the city and its surrounding valleys.

Ciel d’Afrique has been flying its fleet of balloons over Marrakech for over 20 years.

After an hour overlooking Marrakech and the surrounding mountains by air, the balloon descends into a village where passengers enjoy a meal with locals then head home, having achieved so much before lunch time.

Ciel d'Afrique, Ali Building, Apartment 4, 2F, Youssef Ben Tachfine Avenue, Marrakech; +212 5 2443 2843

READ: Photo secrets of Marrakech: How to shoot the Red City

Msemmen Stalls

Biggest local debate: who makes the best msemmen?The tantalizing smells rising from Marrakech’s variety of street stalls lead travelers on a journey through Marrakech’s heady Jemaa el-Fnaa square and its surrounding alleyways.

One common street dish is msemmen, a pancake-like snack, which has locals and tourists alike lining up with a mint tea.

The only debate among locals is who makes it better, the vendor or their mothers?

Kasbah Bab Ourika

Best day trip option from Marrakech.A serene sanctuary 45 minutes away from the bustle of Marrakech’s chaotic streets, Kasbah Bab Ourika is perched above the Ourika Valley.

A hotel and restaurant with spectacular views of the shockingly vibrant greenery, Kasbah Bab Ourika is also a fantastic base for those wanting to learn more about Morocco’s Berber culture.

Despite the proximity to Morocco’s tourism capital, both the surrounding Berber villages and the Kasbah remain charmingly unspoiled, like a snapshot from a time long past.

Kasbah Bab Ourika, Tnine Ourika, Asgaour 40000, Morocco; +212 6 6874 9547/+212 6 6163 4234

MORE: What to do in Marrakech: 10 amazing attractions

Guests:

Moha Fedal, Chef

Abdellatif Benhrima, Guide

Maryam Montague, Writer & Hotelier

Two Tone, Rap Artist

Laila Hida, Photographer

Artsi Ifrach, Fashion Designer

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iReport: 15 beautiful ways to see Amsterdam

hiufu — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 04:00:00 +0000

The canals from different angles and seasons, the flower market, the Skinny Bridge and more favorite scenes from Amsterdam

iReporter Anahita Valakche sums up the reasons to love Amsterdam pretty well:

"Not only is Amsterdam full of amazing museums, the whole city feels like you are living in a painting.

"My other favorite aspect of Amsterdam is its high standards of living and the quality of life -- even though it is one of the most crowded tourist spots in the world.

"Also the people in Amsterdam are very friendly. Amsterdam is diverse in its culinary offerings and you can eat delicious Turkish, Moroccan, Indonesianand Surinamese food, etc."

And of course there are the canals, the bikes and the cafes.

MORE: CNNGo in Amsterdam: Windmill beer, tulip vases and picnics in the park

We asked for your beautiful photos of Amsterdam earlier this month. Here are some of the submissions:

Amsterdam, The Skinny Bridge -- Ronald de Jong

My Amsterdam -- Mathias Ondraczek

Beautiful, Cosmopolitan Amsterdam -- Lulis Leal

Amsterdam 2013 -- Lacey Wadsworth

Stunning Amsterdam -- Jill Thornton

Amsterdam -- George Kreif

Amsterdam 10 Photos -- Fang Guo

Amsterdam is mooi! -- Anahita Valakche

A Dam Man -- Megan Vasko

Wimbledon without tennis: 10 things to do

Guessy1 — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 16:00:12 +0000

Wimbledon isn’t just a tournament, it’s a village. Here’s what to do when you’re not wondering who's going to win it all

For the thousands of fans who descend upon the All England Club every summer, Wimbledon means one thing: tennis, namely The Championships, where the world’s top stars slug it out on the lawns of the All England Club (June 23-July 6).

But few realize that the charms of this chic southwest London “village” extend beyond the ball courts.

What’s there to do in Wimbledon when you’re not watching tennis?

Plenty.

1. Cannizaro House

Cannizaro House: scene of a quintessentially English afternoon. Or period drama.Oscar Wilde, Henry James and Alfred Lord Tennyson are among the illustrious guests who’ve stayed at this opulent but friendly 300-year-old country house hotel.

The historic property alone is worth visiting, but it also contains the new Orangerie restaurant, with gorgeous views of the manicured lawns and flowerbeds of Cannizaro Park through its floor-to-ceiling windows.

Completing the quintessentially English scene is the afternoon tea on the menu: scones, pastries, finger sandwiches and strawberries, served with tea or champagne.

Cannizaro House, West Side Common, Wimbledon; +44 20 8879 1464

2. Wimbledon Common

An oasis of woodland, heath, ponds and bird life, the vast common -- all 460 hectares of it -- is the green lung of Wimbledon and a great place to spend a few hours getting mildly lost.

In the middle of the park is the cheap and cheerful Windmill Café, with coffee, ice cream and snacks; next door is a museum devoted to windmills and local history.

Wimbledon Common

Windmill Museum

3. Buddhapadipa Temple

Buddhapadipa Temple: a good spot for tourney losers to regain composure.Few Londoners know of this Buddhist temple on a leafy residential road in Wimbledon, the first to be built in the United Kingdom.

Inside (it’s open to all) you’ll find gardens -- with a “philosophy path” meandering across wooden bridges and through stands of trees -- and a white gabled temple filled with murals depicting episodes in the life of the Buddha.

Buddhapadipa Temple, 14 Calonne Road, Wimbledon Parkside; +44 20 8946 1357

4. Wimbledon Books

This small, independent bookshop -- the only one in Wimbledon -- has a strong selection of mainstream and specialist fiction, a nice range of children’s books and stationery and comfy chairs to curl up on.

The latest titles are temptingly displayed, so it’s an excellent place to discover new authors.

Wimbledon Books, 40 High St., Wimbledon; +44 20 8879 3101

5. Diane Von Furstenberg and Question Air

Wimbledon Village high street is stuffed with desirable fashion boutiques.

Sample merchandise at high-end DVF includes a “Jessi all over sequins” dress at £1,689 ($2,610), a Tonda Crustal Clutch bag for £280 ($433) and bestselling lace frocks.

A little further down the street, Question Air has plenty of designer denim among its hip fashion finds.

Diane Von Furstenberg, 38B High St., Wimbledon: +44 208 605 9156

Question Air, 77-78 High St., Wimbledon; +44 208 946 6288

6. The Lawn Bakery

Pistachio meringues are The Lawn Bakery's ace. The Lawn Bakery opened in 2012, a sibling to the pricier Lawn Bistro a few minutes walk from it.

Aside from the decent range of freshly made snacks, light meals and pastries, the bakery does a good breakfast -- everything from fry-ups to boiled eggs and soldiers, porridge, croissants and muffins.

The pistachio meringues and rhubarb tart crumble make for terrific dessert.

Unusual for a bakery, the shop sells wine and beer, but only the good stuff -- this is Wimbledon Village, after all.

The Lawn Bakery, 9 High Street, Wimbledon; +44 20 8946 3774

7. Bayley & Sage

You’ll find plenty of ingredients for a gourmet picnic on the Common at this up-market delicatessen, including artisan breads and cheeses, pates, wine and old fashioned lemonade.

For dessert, the hazelnut cannoli and Apolline pastries from the charcuterie counter are especially good.

Bayley & Sage, 60 High St., Wimbledon; +44 20 8946 9904

8. Wimbledon Village Stables

Boots, helmets, and lots of fun provided. Taking a riding lesson at this Wimbledon stables is an exciting way to explore the Common. No need to buy or bring along gear: you can hire boots, gloves and helmets.

Wimbledon Village Stables, 24A/B Wimbledon High St., Wimbledon; +44 20 8946 8579

9. The Mint Source

Fragrant soaps, bath oils and hand washes, alongside jewelry, gardening kits and scarves, are among items on sale at this shop in an old artisan’s cottage, which has been likened to an over-stuffed English drawing room.

Jazz plays while you browse.

The Mint Source, 23 Church Road, Wimbledom; +44 (0)20 8944 9580

10. Polka Theatre and New Wimbledon Theatre

Polka is one of the few theaters in the UK to stage plays uniquely for children.

A few minutes’ walk to the north, the New Wimbledon Theatre (which opened in 1910) stages crowd-pulling musicals and dance performances.

The standard rivals the West End but without West End prices.

Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon; +44 208 543 4888

New Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon; +44 844 817 7646

Originally published June 2013, updated July 2014.

Tags:

London shopping

Wimbledon

CNNGo in Amsterdam: Windmill beer, tulip vases and picnics in the park

hiufu — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 04:27:36 +0000

An amazing photography museum, a classic cinema experience and the city's best street food feature in our monthly TV show

Cruising the canals of Amsterdam
The artistic side of Amsterdam
Amsterdam's mouth-watering street food

This month CNNGo cruises the canals of Amsterdam.

Olympic field hockey player Floris Evers shares his perfect Saturday with a stroll through the Noodermarkt, a giant slice of Winkel's handmade apple pie and a picnic in scenic Vondelpark.

We explore an artistic side of the city with gallery owners Diana Stigter, David Van Doesburg and Lilian Driessen, who show us the best photography museum in Amsterdam.

Then it's time to eat.

Mark Schiefelbein from Dutchgrub.com orders us Dutch pancakes, French fries and beer -- the complete Amsterdam street food combo.

Finally, Instragrammer Phil Yisrael shows us his favorite picture perfect spots, including a horseback ride through the Amsterdam Bos.

MORE: Extraordinary new play brings Anne Frank's secret world to life

Here are five of the places we visited:

Noordermarkt

Amsterdam's picnic purveyors.

Every Saturday morning local vegetables, artisan food and crafts fill one of the squares in the Jordaan neighborhood.

It's the perfect place to stock up on snacks for a picnic in Vondelpark.

Winkel, a restaurant on the edge of the market, sells some of the best apple pies in the city.

On Mondays the area also hosts a flea market.

Noordermarkt, 1015 MV Amsterdam, open Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Pols Potten

No more flatpack furniture.

From ceramic rabbits to tulip vases, this design store has everything whimsical and practical to help with home decoration.

Pols Potten, KNSM-laan 39, 1019 LA Amsterdam; +31 20 419 3541; open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m, Sunday, 12-5 p.m.

MORE: Wurlitzer wizards bring the music back to Amsterdam's art deco marvel

Chocolatl

A chocophile's delight.

This store is pure chocolate heaven, featuring artisan chocolate from all over the world.

The friendly staff here delight in helping customers pick the perfect chocolate for and even host tastings.

They also serve excellent drinking chocolate.

Chocolatl, Hazenstraat 25-A, 1016 SM Amsterdam; open Tuesday to Saturday 11a a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Foam

An alternative look at photography.

For those who want to venture beyond Amsterdam's Museum Square, there's the Foam photography museum.

Located in an old canal house, Foam approaches the art of photography from all angles.

It's not just a bunch of photographs hung up on a wall --there's also interactive and multimedia exhibits.

Foam, Keizersgracht 609, 1017 DS Amsterdam; +31 20 551 6500; open Saturday to Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday to Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

MORE: Cycling in Amsterdam: How to pedal like a local

Pathe Tuschinski Cinema

Music and movies in perfect harmony.

It's no secret Amsterdam has its share of gloomy days, so to escape the rain, a movie is always a good bet.

The Pathe Tuschinski Cinema plays mostly mainstream films, but with a classic cinema experience.

Movie features in the opulent main theater are often introduced by live music played on a restored cinema Wurlitzer organ from the 1940s.

Pathe Tuschinski Cinema, Reguliersbreestraat 26-34, 1017 CN Amsterdam; +31 900 1458

Brouwerij 'T Ij

An iconic brewery, an unmissable beer.

With one of the only windmills actually located in Amsterdam, this brewery is unmissable.

Its Belgian-style beer, Brouwerij 'T Ij, remains a favorite among locals and tourists.

Customers can start with a "flight" of five beers to decide which ones they want to go back for.

It's possible to get there by boat via a small dock out back.

Brouwerij 'T Ij, Funenkade 7, 1018 AL Amsterdam; +31 20 622 8325

Guests:

Floris Evers, Olympic Field Hockey Player

Lilian Driessen, Designer, MariaLux

Diana Stigter and David Van Doesburg, Stigter Van Doesburg Gallery

Mark Schiefelbein, dutchgrub.com

Phil Yisrael, Filmmaker/Instagrammer @p_d_y/Winksta

MORE: Assignment: Your photos from Amsterdam

Music:

“Pulse” Arthur Adam

“Useless People, Baby” Arthur Adam

“You’re On My Mind” Arthur Adam

“Pretty Rose” Elenne May

“Mother Bird” Elenne May

“That’ll be the day” Patches the Cat

“Man of Love” Patches the Cat

“Josephine” Feather & the White

“Highway 168” Feather & the White

“Running” Mister and Mississippi

“We Keep Our Balance” Clemm

“Isadora” Clemm

“Wasting Time” Dassuad

“Questions” Veldman Brothers

“Baby” Modest Midget

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iReport: Your photos of Rio de Janeiro

hiufu — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 04:00:00 +0000

Sure there's Christ the Redeemer, but CNN's iReporters have found a whole lot of other things to love about this amazing city

The parties.

The people.

The vibrant but chilled atmosphere.

Just three reasons these iReporters would return to Rio de Janeiro.

From a trip through the world's biggest urban rainforest to seeing the city from a parasail, our iReporters detail the fun and the fantastic.

Click through the gallery to see their highlights and click the items below to see their full reports.

You can find the full collection of iReports submitted under our assignment here: Your photos from Rio.

A Fine Day in the Jardim Botanical Garden

Sugarloaf and the Old Rio

Amazing Rio

Tijuca Rainforest

Rio 2014

The largest Rio favela

Gorgeous Rio De Janeiro

DeliRIOus

Reveillon

CNNGo in Rio de Janeiro: Beaches, caipirinhas and ... sushi

hiufu — Wed, 14 May 2014 02:00:02 +0000

Our monthly TV show visits the host city for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and discovers plenty to keep your feet moving

Discover the real Rio
Experience Rio like the locals
Rio's stunning ocean views

From Sugar Loaf Mountain to Ipanema, CNNGo shows you how to do Rio de Janeiro right.

We hit Grumari Beach for some surf time, as well as Instituto Reacao, a Brazilian jiu jitsu studio built for Rio's youth.

Hotel owner Bruno Nadkarni gives us a lesson on the Brazilian liquor, cachaca; mother and daughter team and restaurateurs, Carolina and Bianca Gayoso, take us on a food tour.

For those into ink, DJ Tucho brings us along to his favorite tattoo studio in the neighborhood of Tijuca.

Tucho also take us to Leme Beach for “circuito,” Rio’s beach-themed workout, and shows off his DJ skills in the Vigario Geral favela.

All this and more on CNNGo!

Grumari Beach

Grumari: Not every beach in Rio is packed with people.

You won't find beachfront restaurants, luxurious hotels or an overload of kiosks here.

Instead you have space to stretch out on 1.5 miles of white and red sand. Favored by sun seekers, this lovely beach is a ways away from the high-density crowds at Copacabana and Ipanema.

MORE: Samba central: Moving to the rhythms of Rio's Lapa district

Aprazivel

Caipirinhas are a colorful pleasure everywhere.

Family-run Aprazivel showcases fabulous Brazilian food in a fun setting.

The dining tables are in tree houses in the garden of owner Ana Castilho's original home, with miraculous views of Rio.

We prefer starting with a kiwi-capim-santo caipirinha and whole grilled palm heart, followed by chef Brito's Bahian classics.

Aprazível, Rua Aprazivel 62, Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro; +55 21 2508 9174

MORE: Best day trips from Rio

The Maze Inn in Tavares Bastos favela

An alternative view of Rio from the Maze Inn.

Set in Tavares Bastos favela, the Maze Inn is a fantastic place to overnight for those looking for an alternative view of Rio.

The rooms are decorated with original artworks by English owner and Renaissance man Bob Nadkarni, while the veranda offers stunning views of the bay and Pão de Açúcar.

Bimonthly jazz parties are held the first and third Fridays of the month.

The Maze, R. Tavares Bastos (final), Catete, Rio de Janeiro; +55 21 2558 5547

MORE: Powerful flavor: Rio's incredible juice bars

Sushi Leblon

Sushi in Brazil? Deliciously, yes.

Leblon's top sushi destination has a Zen-like ambience, with a handsome dark-wood sushi counter.

In addition to sashimi and sushi, you'll find grilled namorado (a type of perch) with passionfruit farofa, sea-urchin ceviche and refreshing sake.

Sushi Leblon, Rua Dias Ferreira, 256, Leblon, Rio de Janeiro; +55 21 2512 7830

Brigite’s

Clean and sleek, Brigite’s is Rio's latest culinary powerhouse.

Another jewel in Rua Dias Fereira's ample culinary crown has just been unleashed by the team behind Sushi Leblon and Zuka; Ana Carolina Gayoso, Bia Stewart and Marina Hirsch's elegant Brigite's.

In keeping with its illustrious siblings, the design is clean and bright by day, more atmospheric and even a little Mediterranean by night, with a subtle bar-restaurant division making for a different eating or drinking experience depending on the mood.

Brigite’s, Dias Ferreira 247-A, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro; +55 21 2274 5590

Guests

Eduardo “DJ Tucho” Cordeiro, DJ

Bruno Nadkarni, Hotelier/musician

Carolina and Bianca Gayoso, Restauranteurs/co-owners of Zuka, Brigite’s & Sushi Leblon

Fabio Machado, Oceanographer

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iReport: Pictures that show off the grandeur of Milan

hiufu — Wed, 07 May 2014 06:00:00 +0000

Milan's famous cathedral, inside-out and upside-down, plus other unmistakably Milanese images

"Milan is never wanting in photo-worthy subjects," says Joel Camaya, an iReporter and Catholic priest from the Philippines.

That's especially true when it comes to the city's spectacular and elegant Milan Cathedral, or the Duomo di Milano.

The intricate church took six centuries to build and is the fifth biggest cathedral in the world.

We received photos of nearly every aspect of the Duomo from Camaya and other iReporters who contributed to our Milan iReport assignment.

CNN's iReporters also shared their favorite pictures of the city, which included snaps of one of the world's oldest shopping streets -- Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele -- and the Milan's street musicians.

iReports featured in this gallery

Milan's Duomo Night and Day

Inside the Duomo

Ascent to the Rooftop of Milan's Duomo

Details from Milan's Duomo

The Duomo in Winter

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Castello Sforzesco

Non-Duomo Images of Milan

Random Images of Milan

Piazza del Duomo

In Milan

To see all the other entries, please check out the iReport assignment: Your images from Milan.

Pickpocketed in Europe! How it happened to me

Guessy1 — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 06:00:21 +0000

We'd been warned about petty thieves. We took precautions. It didn't matter

As the de facto tour guide for my Chinese family of eight, I knew our first trip to Europe would be anything but easy.

There were a lot of details to take care of, a lot of things to worry about.

But my biggest travel concern?

Pickpockets.

Our vacation would take us to Paris, Barcelona, Rome and Milan -- all but Milan have been included in the past by TripAdvisor on a list of top 10 places to watch out for purse snatchers.

In addition, pickpockets are known for targeting Chinese tourists -- that would include my family -- due to our preference for using cash over credit cards.

Just last year, petty crimes against the Chinese jumped 22% in Paris according to local police.

MORE: Chinese tourists targeted in Paris pickpocketing spate

Air-tight game plan

Knowing we have “Please take our money!” written on our Chinese faces, our mini-tour group prepares for the worst.

Stay in physical and visual contact with our belongings? Check.

Be cautious about being cornered by thieves on public transport or duped by elaborate purse jobs? Check.

Study the helpful U.S. Embassy in France’s anti-pickpocketing guide from front to back? Check.

The key lesson, we tell ourselves, is to stay alert and be aware of our surroundings.

Foiled!

Petty crimes against Chinese nationals jumped 22% in the Paris in 2013, according to Paris police.Fresh off Petty Theft 101, my family’s sense of security is high.

Traveling in a group we keep a constant eye on each other from Paris to Barcelona and onward to Rome.

Traveling in winter provides one major perk -- no crowds at tourist attractions.

This means great family pictures and fewer opportunities for pickpockets to hide themselves in a crowd.

At each stop, I applaud everyone’s vigilance, convinced that we’re one step ahead of whatever tricks the pickpockets have up their sleeves.

With Milan as our last stop, retail therapy is in order.

After a quick tour of the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, my mother and I have one thing on our minds -- shoes!

We walk down Via Torino admiring all the leather goods.

Even the drizzling rain can’t dampen our excitement as we hop from store to store.

It being the last day of the trip, petty theft is the last thing on our minds.

But our one true obsession has clouded our judgment, and all our anti-theft preparation is forgotten.

Ten minutes after sitting down in a busy shoe shop, my mother squeals from across the row of benches -- her cross-body bag is swinging at her side. Unzipped.

Her wallet -- with three credit cards and a few hundred euros inside -- is gone.

MORE: Louvre hit by Chinese counterfeit ticket scam

“It must be somewhere!”

Next come the five stages of loss and grief, travel edition.

Denial: I search the store, hoping we’ve made simply made a mindless mistake.

It has to be under the benches. Nope.

Maybe someone has turned it in at the register? Uh-uh.

How about the trash bins out in the street? Niente!

Anger: Next up, too many questions, too few answers.

“How could you lose it? Did it happen on the street? Was it in the shop? Who stole it? How did they do it?”

MORE: Peru to tourists: "Stop getting naked at Machu Picchu!"

In a state of panic, all I feel is frustration and confusion.

The shopkeeper insists the theft didn’t take place in the store.

Surveillance footage provides no clues, but I remain suspicious of the “customers” who have just left.

Bargaining: The “shoulda coulda woulda” part.

If only we’d kept our surroundings in check … but like waking up from a dream, the blurry details of our short excursion are hard to recall.

Depression and acceptance: While my mother sighs and cancels her three credit cards, I realize there’s little to be done now -- we’re leaving in less than 24 hours and there’s no evidence to show who committed the crime or how it was done.

We accept defeat.

Beaten, but not broken

Oh, petty-theft masterminds of Milan, on behalf of tourists from around the world, and especially China, I bow down to you.

In hindsight, getting pickpocketed might be a rite of passage for travelers in Europe.

It’s certainly a growing pain that tourists who experience it bond over.

This is especially true for us Chinese tourists who I guess are just too distracted by every new cultural opportunity or taking pictures of every monument in sight.

While losing cash and credit cards feels like being booted in the stomach, it’s best to put things into perspective -- at least, that’s what my bruised ego tells me.

It takes only a brief lapse of awareness to get robbed, but rethinking and retracing every painful detail dampens the spirit of what was otherwise a great family trip.

So cheers to you, pickpockets!

After everything my family and I did to stop you, I hope you and your hard-earned cash will be happy together.

Just remember: karma bites.

MORE: First medical tourism awards tout top treatment trips

CNN’s Real Travel series presents first-person accounts of the gaudy and gritty, the surprising and surreptitious, and everything in between that makes up the modern global travel experience.

Tags:

crime

pickpocketing

chinese tourists

CNNGo in Milan: Supermodels, high fashion and top brollies

hiufu — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Our monthly TV show cruises the home of some of the world's greatest designers, discovering a hidden museum and an exclusive umbrella maker along the way

What is the real Milan?
A culinary journey through Milan
Experience Milan's eclectic nightlife

Talk about style: this month, CNNGo TV checks out Milan Fashion Week's catwalk with model Eva Riccobono and explores the city's night scene with DJ Matteo Ceccarini.

We also visit to one of the world’s most exclusive umbrella makers, a top restaurant and the navigli, the derelict canals that run through the city.

Francesco Maglia Ombrelli

Francesco Maglia and one of his "Made in Italy" umbrellas.

Ombrelli Maglia, also known as the Maglia Umbrella Company, is a fifth-generation company producing umbrellas for the world’s most exclusive brands.

It takes 80 steps to make an umbrella in Francesco Maglia's workshop and every one of them is done by hand using high quality materials -- a true expression of the "Made in Italy" trademark.

Francesco Maglia Ombrelli, Via Ripamonto, 194-20141 Milano; +39 2 5521 9333

MORE: Milan: 7 things to know before you go

Bamboo Bar, Armani Hotel

Tastiest way to be a local Milanese: aperitivo!

Bamboo Bar at the top of the Armani Hotel serves some of the best cocktails in town and offers spectacular views of the city.

It's one of the best spots for an "aperitivo," a well-established Italian tradition and an art that the Milanese have mastered over the years.

The ritual can start as early as 6 p.m. and involves pre-dinner drinks accompanied by appetizers.

Bamboo Bar, Armani Hotel Milano, Via Manzoni 31, Milan; +39 2 8883 8381

Museo Poldi Pezzoli

A different kind of backyard activity.

Milan’s courtyards are loved by locals but are often hidden from tourists and passers-by.

In a secluded courtyard we find one of Milan’s most well-hidden secrets -- Museo Poldi Pezzoli.

This private house-turned-museum holds a collection of some of the most exquisite masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance.

"Portrait of a Lady," by Piero del Pollaiolo is the museum’s centerpiece.

Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Via Manzoni 12; +39 2 79 6334/79 4889; admission €9 ($12)

READ: Happy when it pours: The umbrella man of Milan

10 Corso Como

A place to see and be seen.

Founded in 1990, 10 Corso Como is a concept store dedicated to art, fashion and design.

Hidden behind a discreet façade, it's home to an art gallery, bookshop, garden cafe, restaurant and designer boutique.

One of the hottest venues during Fashion Week, 10 Corso Como is one of the best places to see and be seen in Milan.

1 0 Corso Como, Via Tazzoli 3, 20154 Milano; +39 2 2901 5130

Ristorante Giannino

After San Siro Stadium, this place is your best bet to see an AC Milan player.

Giannino is an institution in Milan -- a restaurant with a long history, which these days is much favored by the fashionable footballers of AC Milan.

Why?

It serves some of the best Milanese dishes -- renowned classics like ossobuco (cross-cut veal shanks) and risotto alla Milanese can be enjoyed here.

Giannino, Via Vittor Pisani 6, Milano; +39 2 6698 6998

MORE: Insider guide to the most fashionable place on Earth

Guests:

Eva Riccobono, model and actress

Filippo Fiora & Filippo Cirulli, fashion bloggers, thethreef.com

Francesco Maglia, umbrella maker

Alessandro Borghese, chef and TV personality

Matteo Ceccarini, DJ and sound designer

Alan Gelati, photographer

READ: The fashion model's guide to Milan

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iReport: Your favorite attractions in Colombo, Sri Lanka

hiufu — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 02:00:00 +0000

A greener Galle Face Green and the newly refurbished Dutch Hospital Precinct -- some of the travel ideas for your next Sri Lanka trip

"[Colombo] has undergone a major transformation in the past five years and I'm glad to say that it's all for the better -- Colombo has become a much more interesting, beautiful and enjoyable place," says iReporter Abdul Rahman Ifham.

"It's a must visit for anyone and everyone."

Ifham has traveled to many places, but still thinks Sri Lanka's capital city -- also his home city -- is the best in the world.

He and his friends -- Praveen Wijayaweera, Rakhitha Fernando and Vithurson Vincendrarajan -- captured their favorite spots and shared the pictures on our iReport assignment: Your images from Colombo, Sri Lanka.

"We share a common passion, a love for Colombo," says Ifham.

Travelers William Goggins and Meera Vijayann also contributed their best shots of the city.

MORE: CNNGo in Sri Lanka: Spicy crabs, blue whales and Ceylon tea

Here are the links to their iReport:

Meera Vijayann's "Colombo, where the heart lies"

William Goggins's "Galle Face Sunset"

Abdul Rahman Ifham's "Magnificent Colombo"

CNNGo in Sri Lanka: Spicy crabs, blue whales and Ceylon tea

hiufu — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 22:00:00 +0000

Fresh seafood mixed with UNESCO World Heritage Sites -- CNNGo explores Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's freshest seafood
Colombo's 'creepy' town hall
Whale watching in Sri Lanka

Editor's note: This month CNNGo heads to the island nation of Sri Lanka. Previous episodes can be viewed on the CNNGo page.

Starting in Sri Lanka's freshest seafood market and the renovated racecourse in Colombo, this month's CNNGo episode then ventures beyond the capital city to the seaside city of Galle and the tranquil tea farm-filled countryside.

Ministry of Crab

Sorry, Singapore. Chili crabs are actually from Sri Lanka.

Singapore may be famous for its chili crab, but most of those clawed creatures come from Sri Lanka's seas.

The mission of the Ministry of Crab is to reclaim the crab crown for Sri Lanka.

Here you can get chili crab (spicier than the Singapore version), garlic crab, curry crab and ginger crab.

Freshwater prawns almost as big as lobsters are also served.

Ministry of Crab, Old Dutch Hospital, Colombo; +94 11 234 2722; open daily 6-11 p.m., from noon onwards on weekends, closed on Poya Days.

MORE: Sri Lanka's top tea experiences: Sips of history

Colombo Racecourse

Formerly a racecourse and an airfield, Colombo Racecourse is now an international rugby ground.

From its original use as a horse racing track in 1893 to a temporary airfield in 1922, the Colombo Racecourse has been through several incarnations.

These days the newly-renovated Colombo Racecourse -- though it's held onto its original architectural integrity -- functions as an international rugby ground and features new restaurants and shops.

Colombo Racecourse, Colombo

Barefoot

Quality souvenir shopping and a coffee break from the capital.

An oasis in the middle of the city, Barefoot offers a peaceful cafe setting enclosed by a gallery featuring local artists and a shop stocked with handmade and natural products.

It's the perfect answer for anyone in need of quality souvenirs and a break from the Colombo noise.

Barefoot, 706 Galle Road, Colombo; +94 11 258 9305; open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday and Poya Days; more locations on Barefoot's website

Galle Fort

Head back to 1500s at Galle Fort.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the south of Sri Lanka, the Galle Fort still maintains a lot of its 16th century charm and is open to visitors.

There's plenty of shopping within its walls, yet it doesn't feel like a tourist trap.

Galle Fort, 65a Lighthouse St, Galle, Sri Lanka; +94 91 223 2568/9

MORE: 5 ways to experience the best of Sri Lanka

Borderlands whale watching

Whale watchers have a 70% change of spotting one of the burly beauties.

Locals say you've got about a 70% chance of seeing a blue whale when you go whale watching in Mirissa.

Your best bet is to take a private whale watching tour.

There are a variety of options -- the default seems to be large boats with crowded tours.

If you're happy to splurge, it's worth taking a private boat for $100 per person.

Borderlands' whale watching tour, Weligama; +94 11 441 0110/2504602; from $175

Ceylon Tea Trails

The Ceylon Tea Farm shows visitors how the popular drink is grown and harvested.

Dilmah offers an experience that fully immerses visitors in the world of tea.

From living like a tea plantation owner in a luxury bungalow to learning how the tea is harvested and processed, you'll leave here with a whole new respect for your humble cuppa.

Ceylon Tea Trails, Castlereagh Bungalow, Hatton, Carolina, Norton, Wanarajah Road, Hatton; +94 51 738 8401; rates from $405 per night

Guests:

Dharshan Munidasa, co-owner and chef, Ministry of Crab

Ishara, media personality

Dilshan Michaels, media personality, TNL Radio

Indi Samarajiva, founder, Yamu

Roz Freeman-Attwood, spa consultant

Thana Sritharan, chairman, City Construction Contractors Ltd

Dee de Silva, former director HR, MAS Holdings

Malik Fernando, director, Dilmah Tea

Merrill J. Fernando, founder, Dilmah Tea

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Now eat! Okinawan cuisine gets a makeover

karlac1 — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 22:00:21 +0000

How a unique island culture is taking its own version of "local" a step further

When it comes to food movements, the word “local” is a rarity in Okinawa.

That's because restaurants in Japan's southernmost prefecture have been doing the local thing long before it was trending.

Or even just trendy.

World-renowned for promoting health and longevity, traditional Okinawan cuisine uses primarily local ingredients.

What's more, it's easy to find.

Restaurants across this multiple-island prefecture dish out fresh, delicious fare ranging from braised pork rafute and custardy shima tofu, to stir-fried champaru and black sugar donuts -- recipes based on longstanding traditions dedicated to fresh ingredients.

More: Okinawan cuisine: The Japanese food you don't know

According to Kaori Yoshida, editor of Japanese-language website Calend-okinawa.com, the last five years have been particularly exciting on the Okinawa food scene.

“We started the website in 2009 not just to share our favorite places to eat, but to encourage people to grow and spread their ideas,” she says.

Since then, Yoshida says, a stream of new shop owners and chefs have arrived and infused passion, creativity and personal interpretations of island living into an already vibrant eating culture.

Suien

Meet the bakers: Soichi and Kaoru Morishita. Soichi and Kaoru Morishita opened the doors to Suien three years ago.

On most days, the bakery sells out of its assortment of naturally leavened breads.

Cinnamon rolls, savory cheese boules, steamed black sugar buns and sweet rye loaves are baked in a handmade brick oven, and displayed in the couple’s beautifully decorated café.

“We wanted to create a space where people could come to relax and enjoy a natural setting with good food sourced from our area,” says Kaoru.

Suien literally means "water circle."

Following their namesake, the owners aim to impart the best of their community, flowing from grower to chef to guest.

Lunch plate sets rotate weekly, sometimes daily, depending on what’s seasonal and available.

Thick slices of house bread are combined with soup and an assortment of delicious vegetables, all served on Okinawa-crafted pottery.

Suien, 367 Zakimi, Yomitan, Nakagami, Okinawa; +81 098 958 3239; open Sunday-Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

More on CNN: Five must visit Okinawa castles

Cafe and Zakka Lamp

You won't find another cafe owner in Okinawa who loves Morocco as much as Aya Nishida.

“Honestly, I just wanted everyone to eat couscous,” says Aya Nishida of her motivation for opening Café and Zakka Lamp.

Originally from Kobe, Aya moved to Okinawa 10 years ago with a desire to share her love of all things Moroccan.

Traveling there at least once a year, Aya supplies her zakka (a savvy shop of “many things") with original items from Moroccan artists and open markets.

The front of her shop is filled with colorful antiques, trinkets, housewares and jewelry, good for browsing while waiting on lunch or dinner.

Aya’s favorite dish is lemon-cream chicken couscous, served with fresh salad and house pickles.

It pairs well with a refreshing ginger ale, mixed with her original ginger-spice syrup.

Aya recommends finishing meals with a spicy chai and warm scone set with whipped butter and honey.

“Everything we serve is made from scratch,” she says.

Café and Zakka Lamp, 2-3-25 Matsuo, Naha City, Okinawa; +81 098 863 2491; open Tuesday-Sunday, noon-7 p.m.

Gallivant Café

If you want to eat at Miki Kawamoto's Gallivant Café, the window of opportunity is short. It's open on Saturdays only.

Gallivant Café feels more like a homecoming party than a shop.

Owner Miki Kawamoto opens her bakery only once a week, making sandwiches with fresh ingredients from Ginoza-area farms.

There's a wide selection of sweet and savory breads, served with an assortment of handmade jams, spreads and preserves.

Other days Miki teaches bread making, taking her students through a full course of mixing, kneading, rising, baking and eating.

Friends Kimie Fukui, Emiko Suzuki and Hiroho Tokudome joined her class on a recent Friday afternoon.

“It’s great instruction,” says Emiko, as Miki explains the finer details of her raisin enzyme starter.

“The best part is lunch,” says Kimie. Students eat their own creations, along with a full meal including salad, loaded pan focaccia, soup and dessert.

Afterward, Miki escorts students to Shiradou Farm, where they meet the farmer who grows the baby leaf greens that fills Gallivant's salad bowls.

Gallivant, 35 Matsuda, Ginoza, Kunigami District, Okinawa; +81 080 2695 0276; open from 9 a.m., Saturday only; bread class by reservation

More on CNN: Awamori: A guide to Okinawa's tropical drink of choice

JiJi Café

Funkiest restaurant in Kitanakagusuku.

Robin Aoki opened JiJi Café in Kitanakagusuku in a closed market building in 2008.

Most nights it's packed.

A professional musician, Aoki is the force behind the funky décor and food.

Dried flowers, plants and antique frames hang from the ceiling.

Abstract paintings cover the walls.

A Kitanakagusuku native, Aoki wanted to exert a positive and unique influence his village.

“There was nothing here when we first began planning for the shop,” says Robin. “Maybe just a cleaner and lots of old houses.”

Over the years, JiJi has become a mainstay of the community.

Dishes include Okinawa vegetables fondued in white cheese, creamy omelette rice with edamame sauce, and tandoori chicken cutlet with spicy blue cheese dressing.

JiJi Café, 1422-3 Shimabuku, Kitanakagusuku, Nakagami District, Okinawa; +81 098 987 7515; open daily except Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. (last order)

More: Okinawa: Which island is for you?

Portriver

Tetsuya and Miki Mugishima set up shop in a former "foreigner house."

Tetsuya and Miki Mugishima have taken remnants of historic Okinawa and turned them into a space of their own.

Originally from Tokyo, the couple moved to Okinawa for a change of pace, deciding to establish a home and store in former American military housing space.

Gaijin Jutaku, or “foreigner houses," are spread throughout the island -- square concrete bungalows built after WWII to house a rapidly growing American military population.

“We like the wide spaces,” Tetsuya says, pointing out that the large rooms contrast with the small spaces many Japanese call home.

“It’s perfect for setting up shop without having to leave the family."

“We basically stock the things we enjoy,” says Miki.

Portriver assumes the role of general store in its small bungalow community of Minatogawa, while offering delicious sandwiches with bread from the bakery down the street and aromatic coffee from the roaster around the corner.

Portriver Market, 2-15-8 Minatogawa #30, Urasoe, Okinawa; +81 098 911 8931; open daily except Tuesday, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

CNN Travel's series often carries sponsorship originating from the countries and regions we profile. However CNN retains full editorial control over all of its reports. Read the policy

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Paris colors -- one photographer's multi-hued take on the city

sbusch — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 06:00:00 +0000

Nichole Robertson roams the French capital capturing its browns, yellows, blues and more, for a blog and book

When Nichole Robertson relocated to Paris from New York more than four years ago, she roamed the city.

She soon hit upon a distinctive way of documenting her wanderings.

She took photos of particular colors she found popping out against that characteristic Paris gray, then went on a scavenger hunt to find where in the city those colors -- a certain rust red, say, or eggshell blue -- recurred.

She posted the resulting photographic series on a blog (now archived at Obvioustate.com).

The bestseller

And then the part that doesn't usually happen: the blog went viral and led to a bestselling book, "Paris in Color."

The images are clearly Parisian, but organized in a novel and engaging fashion.

Like so many new arrivals in Paris, Robertson at first traipsed around the city’s most popular sights, such as Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.

She noticed visitors dutifully pulling back to snap pictures of their travel companions in front of these classic attractions and then dutifully putting their cameras away.

Robertson decided to go for an opposite approach: focusing in on detail and color.

She took shots that highlighted the varying shades of brown in a row of baguettes, a bicycle saddle bag and an aged stone building façade, for example.

She focused on yellow as it cropped up in a café façade, a tart in a patisserie or flowers in a window basket.

Capture the details

“The details are the things that you will actually remember -- capture those,” Robertson advises photographers.

She seeks out culture, bits of nature thriving in the city and moments of human interaction.

Neutral grays and browns are featured prominently in her work; bouncing against each other, they feel lively.

Robertson’s color-seeking approach is surprising, given the uniformly neutral shade that prevails in so much of Paris.

Buildings are typically off-white or gray -- an ideal canvas for shocks of color, as well as the more subtle shades, she sought out.

Robertson prefers a dull, overcast sky.

When the sun is shining and the sky is blue, she puts down her camera and heads to a café.

Robertson’s project is, in a sense, all about surface -- surface color -- but she also feels it gives her a sense of the city’s underlying rhythms and quirks.

Shapes or theme

You needn’t just focus on a color, Robertson suggests.

Any repeating shape or theme will do.

Parisian typography, pastries or transportation methods are all good starting points for re-focusing the way you see things.

“It might seem absurd just to wander around Paris,” Robertson says, especially if you have limited time there.

But to really get to know the city she recommends choosing a particular area and doing just that, even for one day, noticing the quirks and repeating themes -- and photographing them.

The same approach works equally well in many other old European cities, such as Rome.

As for Robertson, she returns again and again to Montmartre, the Left Bank, and the banks of the Seine, all of which she also documents in an iPhone app, The Paris Journals.

“Paris gets distilled down to one or two icons that don’t capture all the other equally good stuff you see," she says.

"The good stuff is in the side streets.”

Insider Guide: Best of Rome

jdurston01 — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 22:00:00 +0000

The best pizza, the finest coffee, the coolest attractions that aren't the Colosseum -- Italy in one magnificent long weekend

Finding the best of Rome... You want pizza, but not just any pizza.

You need a coffee but, hell, not a Starbucks coffee.

You want to discover one of humanity’s most history-rich cities, but you have limited time and don’t want to get run down by a Vespa doing so.

We know. And we know how to do it.

From ancient monuments like the Ara Pacis to the designer shops of Via dei Condotti; from the best places for a square of pizza as well as picking out the Italian capital’s best coffee bar (OK, we narrowed it down to two), our scroll-down guide to the best of Rome is your ticket to condensed culture.

Dive in and reach out. Because, sure, the Colosseum’s great, but there are plenty of lesser-known places that will make a few days in Rome last a lifetime.

Print and go -- Our traveler-friendly one-page guide here: Best of Rome

Hotels

Luxury

To really discover the best of Rome, there's a lot of walking to do -- so choosing a hotel in the city center is wise.

The Trastevere area is great if you want to be near the thriving night scene, while hotels around Piazza Navona, Piazza del Popolo and Campo de' Fiori also provide short walks to good pizzerias, restaurants and bars from which you can also organize an efficient sightseeing plan of attack.

The area around Termini has excellent hotels, but be warned that this is a less peaceful part of town, and you might not feel comfortable walking the streets around the station late at night.

Whatever you do in the day, get back here for sunset.

The First

This super-chic, five-star art hotel just around the corner from Piazza del Popolo attracts well-heeled guests who want a base in the heart of Rome's shopping district (it's near Via di Ripetta).

The ground floor bar and restaurant are quiet havens away from the hordes of Vespas and shoppers, but the real attraction is the seventh-floor terrace.

The hotel offers one of Rome's best views: roof-top tiles, domes and bell towers -- best enjoyed at sunset, with a Negroni cocktail in hand.

The restaurant also provides kosher food on request (a hat-tip to the building's Jewish history).

The 30 rooms (many are suites, some with private lounge-terraces) and the public spaces have been decorated with 150 original artworks, including an inquisitive looking white cow in the foyer.

As with all hotels in Rome, check their website for discounts.

The First, Via del Vantaggio, 14; +39 06 4561 7070; Rooms from €240 ($324)

So you can enjoy the view, the meal and your company. Hotel Lunetta

This four-star hotel near Campo de' Fiori will wow you with its ultra-modern black-and-white marble interiors (and 30 recently refurbished rooms), but it’s a surprise in the basement that’ll have you posting on Facebook -- the original Roman-era walls of the Theater of Pompey, where Julius Caesar was murdered on the Ides of March, 44BC.

Hotel Lunetta doesn't have a restaurant (you're a skip away from plenty of Rome's best eateries -- for excellent pasta or northern Italian fondue try Taverna da Lucifero on the other side of Campo de' Fiori; Via dei Capellari, 28) -- but there's a luxury spa and rooftop terrace for guests.

The historic hotel (there's been a hostel at the site since the 14th century) was re-opened after renovation in July 2011.

Hotel Lunetta, Piazza del Paradiso, 68, Rome; +39 06 6839 5056; Rooms from €152 ($205) in low season

One roof you won't want to come down from.Hotel Campo de' Fiori

The best thing about this hotel is its private rooftop terrace, with a 360-degree city view so good that people sit up there even on cold winter evenings.

Guests are positively encouraged by the hotel's friendly staff to take a book, a bottle of wine and/or a pizza to the roof.

This homey, four-star pad has comfortable baroque-style rooms with expensive drapes, wooden beams and sparkling chandeliers.

The hotel is about 10 meters from historic Campo de' Fiori, home to a busy market from Monday-Saturday until 1:30 p.m.

These days the market sells vegetables and fish as well as flowers -- and the piazza is a magnet for wine-loving, café-bound locals and tourists come evening.

Hotel Campo de’ Flori, Via del Biscione, 6, Rome; +39 06 6880 6865; rooms from €141 ($191) in low season

Mid-Range

Well located, stylishly done.

Hotel Sunset Roma

This modest guesthouse is a good spot from which to see the best of Rome in the day and explore the narrow streets of Monti in the evening.

With its small bars and trattorias -- try L'Asino d'Oro on Via del Boschetto 73, it does a great lunch for €12 ($16) -- this residential quarter has an old-Rome feel to it.

The building dates from 1870, but has recently been renovated and the clean, airy rooms are a comfy, cheaper alternative to some of the city's more luxurious hotels. It also offers free Wi-Fi.

The hotel is on the street that runs between Via Nazionale (where you'll find one of Rome's biggest galleries, Palazzo delle Esposizioni) and the Colosseum.

There's also a modern apartment, ideal for two adults and two children, with a lounge and kitchen.

Hotel Sunset Roma, Via dei Serpenti 97, +39 06 479 933; rooms from €90 ($122) per night in low season, apartments from €130 ($176)

Pretty in pink, but complete with Jacuzzis. Brunetti 28

This family-run guest house is a short walk from Piazza del Popolo -- but also a stone's throw from the Museo dell'Ara Pacis, the altar to peace built by Augustus, first emperor of the Roman empire. It's among the most impressive monuments in the city.

Brunetti 28 has seven rooms on two floors -- the double rooms aren't huge, but they're big enough and well appointed. There are also triple rooms. Some rooms have Jacuzzis.

Guests can breakfast on a small terrace in summer, or retreat there after a long day of walking around the city.

Brunetti 28, Via Angelo Brunetti, 28, Rome; +39 06 3250 4824; rooms from €110 ($149), triple rooms up to €300 ($405)

Budget

The "budget" label doesn't get you as little as it used to. Hotel Navona

Location is really the key to this unpretentious establishment. As the name suggests, it's a mere hop away from the famous Roman piazza in the heart of the city's ancient monuments, restaurants and nightlife district.

Brandishing just two stars, you'd expect facilities to be spartan -- yet the rooms are clean, comfortable, and have free Wi-Fi, A/C, TV and private bathrooms.

The hotel is within easy walking distance of Campo de' Fiori and the Pantheon and, despite the hubbub around the center, Navona is on one of the quieter streets, situated in its own 15th-century building.

Hotel Navona, Via dei Sediari, 8; +39 06 6830 1252; nightly rate ranges from €60 ($81) in low season to €99 ($134) in high season

Restaurants

Food plays a major part in discovering the best of Rome. But you need to know that many of Rome’s restaurants serve lunch and dinner at certain times.

For dinner, most restaurants give you a three-hour window from 8 to 11 p.m. Some do stay open later.

Most Italians eat at 8.30 to 9 p.m. every night, though if a restaurant is geared towards tourists it will serve earlier, even 5 p.m.

Lunch is invariably served from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

The basement is largely the same as it was during the Roman Republic.Spirito DiVino

Tucked away in a quieter part of Trastevere, this gem of a restaurant serves up mouth-watering local dishes such as homemade pasta with pumpkin and gorgonzola, artichoke clafoutis or orange-perfumed guinea fowl.

Chef Eliana Catalani began her career as a scientific researcher, alongside Nobel Prize winner Rita Levi-Montalcini, before opening Spirito DiVino with her husband and son Francesco. Her scientific approach hasn't been lost in the kitchen, with a menu that emphasizes and combines quality local meats, cheeses and vegetables, all carefully sourced from slow-food producers.

The restaurant is located in a historic part of the city, once the Jewish quarter before it moved across the river. In fact, the building was once a synagogue, its basement -- now a well-stocked wine cellar -- dating back to 80 BC.

Spirito DiVino, Via dei Genovesi 31 A/B; +39 06 5896 689; moderate-expensive

The menu changes with the tide, but is consistently excellent.Bistrot del Mare

This bistro in the city center, a 15-minute walk from Piazza Navona, is one of the best fish restaurants in Rome. The raw fish tartare starter and sea urchin ('ricci di mare') spaghetti are two of its revered signature dishes.

You can choose from the menu or from a display of the day's catch. The emphasis here really is on the locally-sourced seafood, brought in daily from Lazio's ports and cooked to your taste.

It's pricey, but the general consensus is that it's worth it for the professional service, intimate ambience and fresh ingredients. All desserts are made on site, with chocolate and seasonal fruit featuring heavily. This restaurant is a favorite with Romans and visitors alike.

Bistrot del Mare, Via dei Banchi Nuovi 51/52; +39 06 6819 2228; expensive

Look out for the wild bunnies.

Mò Mò Republic

This grand old palazzo, with its dark wooden staircases, big leather armchairs and muted lighting, has the warmth and elegance of a 1930s colonial villa.

The restaurant specializes in meat and fish dishes, but the large menu includes plenty of pasta, pizza, salads and desserts, including vegetarian options.

Mò Mò Republic can seat up to 600, so it gets very busy. Even so, the waiters rarely miss a beat.

The wooden terrace is a great spot in summer, but the best way to enjoy this place is by sipping a cocktail in the garden after dinner, admiring the ghostly spherical tree lights and watching the wild dwarf rabbits play around your feet. Yes, the rabbits have free run of the villa's grounds.

Because of the space, it's a great place for groups and provides good value. You may even spot a young Serie A footballer among the crowd.

Mò Mò Republic, Piazza Forlanini 10, Rome; +39 06 537 3087; moderate

The best and smartest way to enjoy basic Italian antipasto. Il Cortile

This family-run trattoria is one of the best in Monteverde, the area on the Janiculum hill above St Peter's and Trastevere.

This is simple but delicious Italian cuisine at its best -- freshly made pasta in classic sauces (including plain tomato with basil, pesto, ragù or porcini mushrooms with black truffle) and fresh fish and meat.

The best item on the menu is arguably the buffet antipasto -- a rich array of vegetable dishes such as Roman artichokes, baked eggplant, breaded fennel, omelets, cheeses and salads -- all prepared with great attention to quality, detail, taste and presentation.

The wines are excellent, desserts impeccable and the place is immaculately clean. Il Cortile may not be easy to reach -- figure on a €10 ($13.50) cab ride from the city center -- but it's worth every Euro of the fare.

After dinner, the belvedere on the Janiculum hill provides one of the best views of Rome at night.

Il Cortile, Via Alberto Mario 26; +39 6 5803 433; moderate-expensive

Get ready. The best pizza in Rome is coming your way. La Gatta Mangiona

Another fine eatery in Monteverde Vecchio is the pizzeria and restaurant La Gatta Mangiona (“the greedy cat”) on Via F. Ozanam. Getting there requires a cab, car or strong pair of legs -- it's 1.8 kilometers (just over a mile) from Trastevere train station.

These pizzas are thicker than the usual thin Roman variety. The dough is the long-rising kind and is light, crisp and tasty. Toppings come in unusual combinations, which are displayed on the monthly pizza menu.

Some of the fried starters (supplì, or asparagus and saffron arancine) are also great, but the falafel has been adapted to Italian palates, so lacks a bit of authentic spice. Then again, only a die-hard falafel fanatic would place such an order at one of the greatest pizzerias in town.

There's a wide variety of specialty beer and wines to accompany the pasta, meat and fish dishes.

La Gatta Mangiona, Via F. Ozanam 30-32; +39 06 534 6702; moderate

Looks basic, tastes divine. Pizza Roman-style

Naples may be famous as the birthplace of pizza, and the typical thick, light Neapolitan dough base has become the accepted model of the perfect pizza the world over.

In Rome, however, pizzas are slightly different. Most pizzerias make them with very thin, crispy bases.

Find the best of Rome's Roman style pizzas here: Try Pizzeria Li Rioni (Via SS. Quattro 24; +39 06 7045 0605) near the Colosseum or Pizzeria Panattoni: Ai Marmi/L'Obitorio (Viale Trastevere 53; +39 06 580 0919).

If you're staying near St Peter's, La Fornace and La Rustichella, both on Via Angelo Emo, are good.

In the center, La Montecarlo (Vicolo Savelli 13; +39 06 686 1877) is open late, with service that's fast and friendly. The pizza is thin and served on metal plates with paper table sheets.

La Foccaccia (Via della Pace, 11; +39 06 6880 3312) near Piazza Navona does good, slightly thicker-bottomed pizzas.

Pizza-al-taglio (pizza sold by the square) is also a great way to get a quick snack or a cheap lunch if you're on the go. Il Forno Roscioli (Via dei Chiavari 34) near Campo de' Fiori is legendary. Forno di Campo de' Fiori is popular with local office workers (Vicolo del Gallo 14).

One pizza-al-taglio that really stands out is Pizzarium (Via della Meloria 43; +39 06 3974 5416). It may not look impressive and is a bit out of the way (near Cipro metro station), but it has a devoted following among Romans in the know.

Chef Gabriele Bonci uses high-quality ingredients to create a light and crispy base with just the right amount of sponginess, and some inventive toppings that change daily. Artichoke and gorgonzola is impressive, but then so is plain margherita.

Perhaps only a gourmand would go out of their way to Pizzarium just for a square of pizza. Your average Giuseppe might think that paying two or three times the normal price for a bit of pizza is excessive.

Nightlife

Bars in Rome are a world away from the sweat-drenched, alcohol-fueled venues you’ll find in London or New York. You don’t really get what you might call a “coffee shop” either.

You just get bars, and most bars sell food.

All bars make coffee, either hoping to cash in on or cultivate the average Italian’s penchant for drinking espresso two or three times a day. They also offer a range of spirits.

Some double as pasticcerias, selling cakes, bicuits, cornetti (croissants), desserts and the kind of things you'd get in a French patisserie. Many sell ice cream.

So, bars are multi-use, good for breakfast (capuccino and a cornetto), coffee and snacks (a "spuntino"), aperitivos before lunch and dinner and “tramezzini,” triangular sandwiches at lunchtime. There are many to choose from, but below are our picks for the best of Rome's bars.

Can't see your branded shoes, so don't care about them.

Circolo degli Artisti

This relaxed venue is one of the places in Rome where no one is going to notice or care what brand of shoes you're wearing. It attracts a young-at-heart crowd that comes to sip cold drinks under leafy branches on hot summer evenings, or take evening walks around the maze-like garden.

Bands perform regularly -- including many up-and-coming indie acts -- and there are comedy and house music nights too. Check their website for events.

Food is a primary consideration -- pizzas, starters and other main courses are available at the al fresco restaurant.

Circolo degli Artisti, Via Casilina Vecchia 42, Rome; +39 06 7030 5684

Cozy gone crazy.Black Market

This shabby-chic music venue in the ever-lively Monti area of Rome is a stone's throw from Termini station and the Colosseum. Trademarks include comfy beaten-up armchairs, a gigantic lampshade at the entrance and ice-breaking portraits on the walls (the oil painting of Lenin is guaranteed to lift any flagging conversation).

It all adds to the relaxed but trendy atmosphere that's proving very popular with a young ex-pat crowd that doesn't seem to mind that the cocktails are served in jam jars. The bar showcases young artists in its gallery and there are regular 'Unplugged in Monti' private evenings for members (it's pretty easy to become a member through the club's website), with live acoustic music, food and drinks.

It's a homey corner to sit down and read a book with a beer for an afternoon, but be warned: on the weekends it's packed to the rafters.

Black Market, Via Panisperna 101, Rione Monti; +39 339 8227 541

DJs at Vicious play whatever they can see. This one's spinning flatbread.Vicious

This is probably Rome's "It" club of the moment, but forget about Italian style. In fact, definitely don't bother dressing up -- this is really not a place to see and be seen.

Inside it's as dark and claustrophobic as the left pocket of Donnie Darko's rabbit costume. Vicious is really just about the music and the dancing -- the sweatier the better.

The schedule takes a relaxed intro into the week with cocktails and DJ sets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, open from 10 p.m. 'til late. Club nights at Vicious include Butter on Thursdays, billed as "the coolest underground club in town" and inspired by the 1970s and '80s New York club scene. If that's not to your taste try Alchemy on Saturdays or Rock'n Yolk's indie-rap vibe on Fridays.

Just remember to bring a flashlight or infrared glasses.

Vicious, Via Achille Grandi 7A; +39 06 7061 4349; moderate

From the Italian for "resembling burl."Micca Club

This stalwart of vintage Roman burlesque nights is in its eighth year and has recently moved to new premises in the center of town, just round the corner from Piazza Barberini.

Spread over two floors, Micca's live dance shows take place at around 11 p.m., but arrive early for an aperitivo (a glass of wine and a snack), which is sometimes included in the entrance fee (€10/$13.60 – check the website for details).

It's a glamorous venue with its tongue firmly lodged in cheek, where a fun-seeking clientele tends to be on the riper side of 30. If burlesque isn't your jam, the vinyl DJ sets will keep you on the dance floor till the early hours with tunes from the 1950s, '60s and '70s.

Micca Club, Via degli Avignonesi, 73 (Piazza Barberini); +39 393 3236 244

Rome's best Tiramisù.

Bar Gelateria Pompi

There's just one name when it comes to tiramisù in Rome -- Pompi.

Nothing else comes close to the little dishes of creamy almost runny mascarpone layered with rich coffee-soaked pavesini biscuits that Giuliano Pompi has been making in Rome since the 1960s.

The bar in Via Albalonga (near Piazza Re di Roma in the San Giovanni area) is where it all began.

Pompi has since branched out from the traditional coffee and chocolate recipe. They now do a pistacchio tiramisù and other flavors including banana, strawberry and Nutella. Classic coffee is still king, though.

They've also opened a second bar in the heart of one of Rome's nightlife hubs -- Piazzale di Ponte Milvio, a 30-minute walk north up Via Flaminia from Piazza del Popolo.

Bar Gelateria Pompi, Via Albalonga 7B/9/11; +39 06 700 0418; and Via Cassia 8B/8C; +39 06 333 3488

Three coffee beans and a mouthful of pleasure. Cristalli di Zucchero

When Gambero Rosso, one of the most prestigious publishers of restaurant/food guides in Italy, awards three coffee beans and three espresso coffee cups to a bar, it can only mean one thing: that bar is hot.

In the world of coffee bars and pasticcerias, these symbols carry the same weight as a Michelin star, so Cristalli di Zucchero is well endowed.

Locals go crazy for its croissants and panettone.

Is it the best in Rome? Well, the only other bar in Rome awarded three cups and three beans from Rosso is the Stravinskij Bar in the Hotel de Russie (Via del Babuino 9; +39 06 32 88 88 74).

The “Healthy Hour” cocktails, created by award-winning barman Massimo D'Addezio, are delicious, but so are the hedonistic alcoholic ones.

Cristalli de Zucchero, Via di Val Tellina 114 and Via San Teodoro 88 (standing room only in the latter); +39 06 5823 0323

Drink, watch, enjoy. Caffè Capitolino

Exploring the wonders of the Roman Forum or the breathtaking Capitoline Museums is undeniably thirsty work. Don't miss the colossal head, hands and feet of Constantine the Great in the museum's internal courtyard or the impressive bronze Marcus Aurelius on horseback.

Caffè Capitolino is a perfect place to take a break from the history and it's open to the public, not just Capitoline Museum ticket holders.

Standing on the Campidoglio, with your back to Via del Teatro Marcello and the grand flight of steps, take a right around the side of the Capitoline Museums and you'll see Palazzo Caffarelli on your left, in front of Piazzale Caffarelli.

The side entrance will take you to the second floor and Caffè Capitolino, where you can have a relaxed lunch, cake, coffee or drinks. The café's terraces offer excellent views across the Roman Forum and city rooftops.

Caffe Capitolino, Piazza Caffarelli, 4; +39 06 6919 0564

Just drink it, don't try to figure it out. The best coffee in Rome?

Much has been said and written about the best coffee in Rome, but there seems to be consensus that it's found within a stone's throw of the Pantheon.

Sant'Eustacchio il Caffè is a small bar in the piazza of the same name where they make their espressos behind a screen to keep the process secret. The bar also sells small packets of coffee that make great gifts.

But Sant'Estacchio has a rival in the form of Tazza d'Oro, on the other side of the Pantheon. Many visitors try both, get wired and then decide which is the best of Rome.

Sant'Eustacchio il Caffè, Piazza Sant’Eustachio 82; +39 06 6880 2048

Tazza d'Oro, Via degli Orfani 84; +39 06 6789 792

Tazza d'Oro. Contender for best coffee in Rome. Other bars

Many other bars in Rome are also worth a mention, including:

Pasticceria Mondi (Via Flaminia Vecchia 468, +39 06 333 6466; near Ponte Milvio) is legendary among locals for its exquisite ice cream, pastries and cakes. A must if you're in Piazzale Ponte Milvio.

At Doppio Zero (Via Ostiense 68; +39 06 5730 1961), the aperitivo buffet is a feast in itself. The surrounding area of Garbatella is also worth exploring.

Oasi della Birra (Piazza Testaccio 41; +39 06 574 6122) is half-tavern, half-shop, a fascinating locale jammed with quality wines, beer, artisan-made chocolate and other superior comestibles. In addition to an extensive wine, beer and snacks list, there are more than 150 types of cheese on the menu and, for the brave, about 10 kinds of (flavored) lard. There's also a good pre-dinner buffet.

Open Baladin (Via degli Specchi, 6; +39 06 683 8989), near Campo de' Fiori, is the place for tasting and revering beer in the same way that sommeliers drink wine. If that's not your style, it's still a quiet spot where the beer, with hints of bergamot and coriander, isn't your usual Heineken.

Angelina (Via Poli 27; +39 06 679 7274) is just off Via del Tritone in the city center. A perfect pit stop from shopping, this is a cozy little café adjoined to a restaurant where you can usually get a seat. The tiramisù and fruit tarts are great.

Shopping

Rome can't compete with Milan for high-end designer shopping, but the glut of boutiques along Via dei Condotti and Via del Babuino provide a panoply of options for anyone looking for a Prada handbag or Gucci gown.

Shopping in Rome isn't just about the high fashion. For interesting and less expensive clothes and shoes, explore the small side streets off Via del Corso and Via dei Condotti.

Other good shopping streets include Via di Campo Marzio, Via dei Giubbonari (near Campo de' Fiori) and Via del Governo Vecchio.

San Lorenzo (the area south of La Sapienza University) is also dotted with unique boutiques with humane prices, and the same can be said of Monti (around the Viminal Hill and Via Panisperna).

Look out for the small artisans' workshops and family-owned businesses selling locally made products -- several are mentioned below.

Don't know what it is, but it's made of inner tubes and bits of trucks -- no wonder.

Città dell'altra Economia

Città dell'altra Economia (CAE) in Testaccio is an eye-opening place, run by Rome's city council and a group of non-profit organizations whose aim is to develop a space and community dedicated to production and commercial activities that are fair trade and eco-friendly.

Occhio del Riciclone is one of the organizations that sells its products at CAE. It works with the local Roma community to recycle objects that others discard.

There are bags made of old truck seat belts, rings made of bicycle inner tubes, reconditioned clothes and much more.

Nearby is a small café and a supermarket selling local organic produce. Here you can find “pecorino Romano” sheep's cheese and pasta made of spelt wheat -- look for “spaghetti al faro” -- from the Sabine hills outside Rome.

CAE and the surrounding area is worth at least half a day. It's not easy to find (there's a map on the CAE website), tucked away behind Monte Testaccio, a small hillock and ancient Roman rubbish dump. It’s made entirely of fragments of terracotta dolia, used during the Roman Empire to import olive oil from provinces in Spain and north Africa into the hub of ancient Rome.

Two millennia later, restaurants and bars have nestled at the base of Monte Testaccio. Checchino dal 1887 is renowned for its traditional Roman fare. Opposite is the Macro, one of Rome's best contemporary art galleries.

Citta dell’Atra Economia, Largo Dino Frisullo, inside the old abattoir (called the "ex mattatoio"); +39 06 5730 0419

A street full of lovely (and yes, expensive) brands.Rome's fashion district

Rome may not be Caput Mundi for the world of high fashion, but you're not going to be stuck for choice either.

For the best of Rome's high-end designer clothes, shoes and bags, Via dei Condotti (between Via del Corso and Piazza di Spagna) has all the big names. This is where Rome's fashionistas like to stroll. You’ll lose count of the high heels and small dogs.

But there's much more to Rome's shopping scene than Via dei Condotti. Other small streets around Via del Corso are worth exploring for their small boutiques -- including Via del Babuino, Via Vittoria and Via Belsiana.

Via Margutta is home to a series of small artists' ateliers and is a good place to scout for an original or antique artwork.

An elegant lunch spot is Il Margutta (Via Margutta 118), a vegetarian restaurant that puts on regular contemporary art exhibitions.

Two Italian-owned stores that stand out for quality (with medium to high prices) are Empresa and Ethic. The latter is geared mainly toward younger women and sells pretty printed dresses and quality knits -- 85 percent of their products are made in Italy and there are 10 stores in Rome.

Empresa sells quality tailoring and footwear for men and women. There are five stores in Rome and one in Venice.

Empresa: Via dei Giubbonari 25/26 and 101/102; +39 06 4543 4896

Ethic, Via Cola di Rienzo 265/A; +39 06 322 4621

Best place for some 15th-century balsam. Ai Monasteri

This extraordinary old-fashioned herbal apothecary’s fame is well deserved.

Owned by the local Nardi family since 1894, it specializes in herbal balsams, elixirs and creams, as well as chocolate, honey, grappa and limoncello, all of it produced in Italy's abbeys.

A star product is the Balsamo Francescano, a secret herbal concoction containing 14 plants first made by Franciscan monks in Viterbo in the 15th century.

It's said to cure many maladies -- one customer who bought huge quantities said, “It's great for when my cows catch cold!”

Other potions on sale include elixirs for happiness, love and long life. As the shop owners explain, herbal distillations help cleanse and regenerate the kidneys and liver, providing a boost of energy and well-being.

A bottle of Balsamo Francescano will set you back €23 ($31).

Ai Monasteri, Corso Rinascimento, 72, Rome; +39 06 6880 2783

Artistic sculptures for your finger. Negri

This small silversmith's workshop and boutique on Via Campo Marzio has been in the Negri family for over 60 years. Now owned by the third generation, Fabrizio Negri specializes in micro-sculptures in precious metals including silver, gold and colored titanium.

Many of the modern designs are unique or limited editions. The Parole series of silver jewelry incorporates your choice of phrase into its sleek rings and bracelets. The MyOtto jewelry range is inspired by pets, dachshund dogs in particular, as the “bassotto” is a popular breed in Italy.

Negri also uses natural minerals and wood combined with silver to create unusual brooches, earrings and pendants. They also produce bigger items, such as lamps.

Artisans can often be seen at work through the shop window.

Negri, Via di Campo Marzio, 36; +39 06 687 1192

His and hers perfume -- in one bottle. Profumum Roma

Established by the Durante family in 1996, Profumum produces a range of more than 20 unisex perfumes in its four Rome stores.

Three Durante brothers and one sister (Giuseppe, Felice, Luciano and Maria) produce their perfumes with a high concentration of essential oils for long-lasting effect.

One of the most popular products is Acqua di Sale, a fresh, marine perfume with notes of myrtle.

The streets around Via del Corso, Via del Babuino and Via di Ripetta (the three streets that fork southeast from Piazza del Popolo) are dotted with perfume shops, but this Rome-based business is a great place to go if you want to take home scents of the eternal city.

Profumum Roma, Via di Ripetta, 10, Rome; +39 06 320 0306

Attractions

St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum are the star attractions on most tourist itineraries.

It would be a shame to visit Rome without a glimpse of these iconic sites -- but if you're short on time and can't stand queues, there are some smaller attractions that give an interesting insight into the best of Rome's history and culture.

Get up close and personal.

The Colosseum

Rome's most photogenic landmark, the Colosseum looks good from just about all angles, even from below ground. You can see for yourself if you visit one of the tunnels (where gladiators waited before a fight), which have been opened to the public in recent years.

Tickets are €12 ($16) at the gate and include entrance to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Tickets and guided tours in English can be booked online through Coopculture.it.

The Colosseum, Piazza del Colosseo, 1; +39 06 3996 7700

And this is just the ceiling. The Vatican Museums

Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel is another must, but the Vatican Museums also hold some of the most precious sculptures from ancient Rome and Greece (such as Laocoön and His Sons), not to mention an extensive Etruscan collection.

You can book your entrance ticket to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel online (recommended, there are often long queues). For adults it's €15 ($20) plus a €4 booking fee. Admission for children 18 years and younger, or students under 26, is €8 ($11) at biglietteriamusei.vatican.va.

The Vatican Museums, Viale Vaticano; +39 06 6988 3145; closed on Sundays (except the last Sunday of the month, when it's free from 9:00 a.m.-12:30 a.m.) as well as on certain religious days (see the website for a full list).

St. Peter's tomb lies directly under St. Peter's baldachin. Take a deep breath before you walk under. St Peter's Necropolis

The necropolis under St Peter's is as interesting as the basilica above -- try to book as far in advance as possible through the Vatican's excavations office.

There is an interesting virtual tour of the 'scavi' here.

St. Peter’s Necropolis, +39 06 6987 3017; ticket from $16.50; entrance and guided tour is €12 and reservations should be made by e-mail to scavi@fsp.va, stating the number of visitors, preferred dates and times and preferred language. Visitors must be 15 years old or older.

The dome of St Peter's Basilica is breathtaking; both inside and out. St Peter's Basilica

St Peter's Basilica is unmissable if you're in Rome -- its 453-foot-high dome can be seen from most points in the city. The queue to get in often snakes around St Peter's colonnaded square -- but it usually moves quickly.

You have to go through security and the dress code is strict -- no short skirts, shorts or bare shoulders, even in summer. Once you're in, the sheer size of the basilica and the richness of its interior is astounding. Don't miss Michelangelo's touching Pietà or Bernini's spiral baldachin.

St. Peter’s Basilica, Fabbrica di San Pietro in Vaticano; +39 06 6988 3731; admission is free

A walk through two millennia of history. Case Romane al Celio

This archaeological layer cake of a monument takes you inside a Roman apartment block, a wealthy Roman house, a church and a Roman street. All were built around and on top of each other over a period of several centuries.

The house belonged to two martyrs in the fourth century AD: John and Paul, who were officers in the court of Constantine the Great, but who were killed under the rule of Julian the Apostate.

The houses have been beautifully restored -- there are remarkable Roman-era frescoes in many of the rooms -- and were reopened to the public in 2002. Guided tours are available in English, French, German and Spanish.

Case Romane al Celio; +39 06 7045 4544; for booking, contact the Spazio Libero company: Clivo di Scauro (on the Caelian Hill, near the Colosseum)

The art is inside. And out.Villa Farnesina

On the banks of the Tiber, this quiet Renaissance villa is home to some of the most splendid frescoes by Raffaello.

Built for the banker Agostino Chigi in the early 16th century, the grand internal galleries and rooms were painted by Raffaello and several other Renaissance masters, including Baldassare Peruzzi and Il Sodoma, between 1508 and 1519.

Raffaello's celebrated representation of Cupid and Psyche on the ground floor was done in 1517 for the wedding of Chigi to Francesca Ordeaschi.

Also on Via della Lungara is the International House for Women (Casa Internazionale delle Donne, Via della Lungara 19; +39 06 6840 1720), which has a women-only café and restaurant called Luna e l'altra (Via San Francesco Di Sales 1/A; +39 6 6889 2465; closed Sunday).

Villa Farnesina, Via della Lungara, 230; +39 06 6802 7268; closed Sunday; admission €5 ($6.75)

One church to visit if you don't have time to the other 900. Basilica of San Clemente

If you have time to visit just one church during your trip to Rome (there are more than 900 to choose from), then San Clemente should be it.

It's a few blocks from the Colosseum and makes other churches look like ornate cupcakes.

San Clemente is more akin to a gargantuan club sandwich, with layer upon layer of history spanning over 2,000 years.

At street level you can let your jaw drop at the mosaics of the Norman-era basilica.

Admission to the crypt leads into what remains of a 4th-century basilica (the Normans built on top of it), but go down another level and, in the foundations of the 13th-century and the 4th-century structures, there is a Mithraic (pagan) temple.

There are also the remains of a Roman-era house and a Roman street, where the gush of water from a stream can still be heard.

Basilica of San Clemente, Via Di San Giovanni in Laterano; +39 06 774 0021

The place to go for a kosher lunch. The Jewish Quarter

This historic quarter is centered on Via del Portico d'Ottavia, the main street that runs from the Roman Theatre of Marcellus (Teatro Marcello) to Via Arenula. It's a short walk from Piazza Venezia, Campo de' Fiori and the island Tiberina.

A pleasant morning can be spent walking around here before hitting one of the many restaurants for a kosher lunch.

Giggetto (+39 06 6861 105; Via del Portico d'Ottavia 21/A) is a well known place to try a Jewish artichoke (carciofo alla giudia), in season from January to April. There are also several small cafés selling bagels and other snacks.

Nearby is the Great Synagogue of Rome, built in 1904. With its art deco façade and distinctive square dome, it's also home to the Museo Ebraico di Roma (Jewish Museum of Rome), where you can arrange guided tours of the Jewish quarter in English.

Closed Saturdays, Jewish holidays, January 1 and August 15; info@museoebraico.roma.it; +39 06 6840 0661

Other places of interest in the area include the wonderful turtle fountain in Piazza Mattei. Bartaruga, in the same piazza, is a great place for an aperitivo. Around the corner, Acqua Madre is a spa where you can steam away the city grime (Acqua Madre, Via di S Ambrogio 17; +39 06 686 4272).

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CNNGo Down South, New Zealand: Tiny penguins, pristine beaches

hiufu — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 22:00:00 +0000

This month's CNNGo TV adventure explores the gourmet scene, wildlife and breathtaking natural wonders on NZ's South Island

The pristine beauty of New Zealand
Training along crystal clear lakes
Discover hidden seaside gems

It's home to both the northern royal albatross and the world's tiniest penguins.

It produces some of the world's great outdoor experiences.

And CNNGo is heading there this month.

"There" means south to explore New Zealand's Otago Region.

Though Otago is more known as a winter destination, CNNGo's guests -- from a mountain biker to a fashion designer -- explain why summer in Otago is fast becoming popular with visitors.

Ride up, bike down.

Skyline Gondola and Queenstown Bike Park

Visitors can enjoy views of Queenstown while riding the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak.

There, they can then choose one of 13 mountain bike trails for an adrenaline-fueled trip back down.

Skyline Queenstown, Brecon Street, Queenstown; +64 3 441 0101; Skyline Gondola, NZD$27 ($22)/Bike lift from NZD60 ($50)

Kiwi saloon.

Arrowtown

A former gold mining settlement, Arrowtown has a lot of charm on its main street.

You can stop into The Fork and Tap for locally foraged cuisine.

In summer, a bag of cherries and a picnic by the river is as local as it gets.

Arrowtown, Otago, Queenstown

Meadows, mountains ... more please.

Lake Wanaka Outlet Track

You don’t have to be a professional triathlete to enjoy the views at Lake Wanaka.

Runners and bikers can explore the area on a three-kilometer track along the Clutha River between the Lake Wanaka outlet and Hikuwai Reserve in Albert Town.

The path is baby stroller friendly.

Lake Wanaka Outlet Track, between Outlet Motor Camp, Lake Wanaka outlet and Hikuwai Reserve, Albert Town

All who seek are not lost.

Mou Waho Island

Natural history is the lure on this tiny, untouched island in the middle of Lake Wanaka.

Chris Riley of Eco Wanaka tours has years of experience spotting rare creatures, including the curious buff wekas, a chicken-sized bird classified as a vulnerable species.

Eco Wanaka offers a 90-minute Lake Wanaka Cruise (NZD195/$160) and eight-hour Island Nature Walk (NZD390/$320); +64 3 443 2869

Seagulls: the albatross's "Mini-me."

Royal Albatross Center

This is the place to see the northern royal albatross and its three-meter wingspan in action.

It's best to go on a windy day -- these big birds can’t take off without a good gust.

It’s worth staying until the sun goes down to see the blue penguin (the world's smallest) return to shore after a day fishing in the ocean.

Up to a hundred of these tiny penguins can be seen waddling on the shore daily.

Royal Albatross Centre, 1260 Harington Point Road, Queenstown; +64 3 478 0499; Albatross Classic tour costs NZD39 ($32)

Guest hosts:

Kelly McGarry -- professional mountain biker, known for executing back-flips during the Red Bull rampage.

Duncan Forsyth -- Mount Edward Winery.

Nicky Samuels -- Olympic triathlete and 2013 Xterra World Champion.

Chris Riley -- Eco Wanaka.

Simon Kaan -- artist.

Margi Robertson -- designer, Nom*d.

Kelly Lindsay -- Green Man Brewery.

Soundtrack

"Background Noise" -- The Chills

"Boy Dust" -- Paul Winders And The Goodness

"Bubblewrap" -- Two Cartoons

"C.O" -- Paul Winders And The Goodness

"Dreams" -- Two Cartoons

"Let's Go" -- Onanon

"Paratai Drive" -- The Verlaines

"Scientific Life" -- Two Cartoons

"Take me to the railway by the sea" -- Delgirl

"Tiny Terror"s -- Two Cartoons

courtesy of DunedinMusic.com

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blue penguins

albatross

otago region

iReport: Your images of Kaohsiung, Taiwan

hiufu — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 22:00:00 +0000

Laid-back, friendly, creative -- iReporters share what makes Taiwan's second biggest city so special

Taiwan’s second biggest city, Kaohsiung has over the years morphed from a tiny trading center into a major hub in the southern part of the island.

Much of Taiwan's manufacturing, political and economic business passes through the region, which is also characterized by its shipbuilding -- Kaohsiung's port is one of the largest in the world.

In tandem with CNNGo Kahohsiung, which aired in January, we asked readers to share their favorite images of Kaohsiung in this iReport assignment.

Some iReporters said they adore Kaohsiung's easygoing vibe.

Others pointed to its cultural diversity.

The gallery above features some of our favorite submissions, submitted by iReporters Lilian Huang, Cheng-En Chang, Joseph T. Rodolico, Aristotle Bulaclac and Muid Latif.

Past episodes of CNNGo, including the visit to Kaohsiung, are available on the official CNNGo page.