Chicago is known for its hot and humid summers and bitterly cold winters. While the city’s weather conditions are not for the faint-hearted, it has not been a deterrent to tourist arrivals. As long as travellers are sufficiently prepared for Chicago’s weather, they will have an enjoyable time in this vibrant city- regardless of the season they travel in.
Whether the weather is hot or cold, here are some attractions not to be missed during your stay in Chicago!
1. Navy Pier
Originally known as the Municipal Pier, this pier overlooking Lake Michigan housed military personnel from different military units during WWI. In 1927, it was renamed the Navy Pier to honour the naval personnel who served during WWI. Today, this pier is home to numerous restaurants, shops, theatres and a ferris wheel. Whether you fancy a sightseeing cruise, film screening, musicals or live music, there is always something exciting going on at the Navy Pier at any time of the year so do not give this bustling attraction a miss!
2. Museum of Science and Industry
Whether you are a science geek or keen to find out more about industry, a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry will be for you. With interactive exhibits, a coal mine, German submarine and flight and weather simulators, a visit to this museum will be exciting for both adults and children. Given the vast size of the museum and wide range of exhibits, remember that you will need to set aside enough time during your visit!
3. Adler Planetarium
Discover the world of astronomy and distant galaxies at the Adler Planetarium, a public museum that houses one of the largest collections of astronomical instruments in the world. Here, you may catch breathtaking sights of the night sky, watch sky shows and learn about the evolution of the universe. There are also exhibits that tell the tales of human space exploration and the role of astronomy in ancient cultures. Astronomy geeks will not want to miss this museum!
4. Grant Park
Located in Chicago’s central business district, Grant Park is a public park that houses three world renowned museums – Adler Planetarium, Field Museum of Natural History and the Art Institute of Chicago. It is also home to Buckingham Fountain, which is one of the world’s largest fountains. During the summer, this park is the site of music and food festivals as well as concerts. A visit to this park is ideal for those seeking to capture views of Chicago’s skyline whilst in a tranquil setting.
In fact, your Chicago getaway could be topped up with the best and most affordable accommodation option from HotelsCombined –> Top 14 ChicagoHotels for a Family Holiday.
5. Art Institute of Chicago
With a collection of over 300,000 artworks, which include the well-known ‘American Gothic’ by Grant Wood and ‘Bedroom in Arles’ by Vincent van Gogh, lovers of art will want to pay a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago. Whether you would are keen to see American or European art from the Impressionist or Post-Impressionist periods, there is plenty to explore here. This museum was ranked the top museum in the world (2014) by Tripadvisor and given its impressive permanent and seasonal exhibits, such an accolade is well deserved.
6. Home-dining Experience
When in Chicago, take the opportunity to meet and interact with the locals through a home-dining experience! Dora, our friendly host in Chicago, will not only share with you more about the city she lives in but also prepare a hearty five-course meal that features American classics. She has prepared meals for high-profile officials and is able to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences so you can be sure that your dining experience with Dora is a memorable one.
https://www.bonappetour.com/images/header-banner.png00Genevieve Chanhttps://www.bonappetour.com/images/header-banner.pngGenevieve Chan2016-02-22 10:03:002017-10-05 12:08:32Our Expert Guide to the Highlights of Chicago
Ok so the plot might not actually be centred around food, but this visually beautiful film will definitely appeal to your sweet tooth. From the building of the Grand Budapest Hotel itself to the color of the sky, and everything in between, it will constantly make you ache for pastries and cakes as you try to focus on the plot. Not to mention, Mendl’s Courtesan Au Chocolat!
2. Julie and Julia
This movie is about two women who eventually find solace in cooking, and it will make your mouth water for French cuisine. The whole plot centres around the joy of cooking, eating, and living. Get ready to feel those hunger pangs.
3. Chef
A word of warning: make sure you have eaten before you watch this movie. Saying that, we still guarantee you'll be lusting after a taste of scrumptious Mediterranean food. 'Chef' should be rated ‘PG Hungry'!
4. Jiro Dreams of Sushi
This film is a delight for fish fans. The sushi in this movie is so tempting and the plot encaptivating as you watch the sushi hef master the serene art of sushi making.
5. Eat Pray Love
As if Julia Roberts alone isn’t enough to get you all tingly, this movie has both the beloved actress AND delicious Pizza Napolitana, Spaghetti all'Amatriciana, exotic Balinese fruits and more! You'll be heading straight to your nearest Italian once the credits roll.
6. Spirited Away
Another movie hailing from Japan in at number 6. This Ghibli Studio film, despite its somewhat surreal plot, is foodie heaven. You will spot a multitude of traditional Japanese food shown in this movie, and although the food is not real you still might lose track of the story as you sit drooling over the masterfully drawn food.
7. Marie Antoinette
Hold it! Your jaw is about to drop at these shots from cake heaven in this visually stunning film. Your eyes are about to be spoilt with not only gorgeous actors, dresses, and settings, but more importantly, CAKES!
8. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Once Charlie enters the factory, everything you see is made of chocolate and other sweet treats; even the grass! So much chocolate! Here, take my money!
9. Ratatouille
This is the most famous movie among food lovers and critics. It's not hard to see why, plus the delightful plot of a rat winning over humans through his cooking expertise is guaranteed to make you smile.
10. It’s raining falafel in Israel
‘It’s raining falafel in Israel’ is a 3D comedy film for those who cannot get enough of those vegetarian-friendly balls. If you are watching this movie and feel your taste buds tingling for falafel, just give Operation Falafel Delivery Number a buzz at +971 4 424 3098 and enjoy the best spicy falafel at your door step.
https://www.bonappetour.com/images/header-banner.png00Rachel Stinsonhttps://www.bonappetour.com/images/header-banner.pngRachel Stinson2016-02-17 09:10:122016-10-19 09:42:4910 Movies Guaranteed to Get Your Taste Buds Tingling
Got a few days in Budapest and not sure how to spend them? Read on for the most comprehensive itinerary guide to Budapest for a trip of 3 to 4 days.
Day 1
1. Breakfast at Central Market Hall
Location: Budapest Vamhaz krt. 1-3, 1093 Hungary
What is better than starting your morning with fresh authentic Hungarian food? The Central Market Hall is one of the major attractions in Budapest. Located just outside the Metro stop Fovam Ter, tourists and locals alike visit this place for groceries, food and souvenirs. The first floor of this market houses stalls that sell fresh local produce like paparika peppers, vegetables and fruits like cherries, which are a Hungarian speciality. As you move up to the second floor, this is where you will be captivated by the alluring smell of sizzling langos and from the pot of bubbling stuffed cabbage.
This floor sells almost all of Hungary's classic cuisines such as langos, goulash, pancakes, beer etc. Langos are fried flat breads made of dough. They can be eaten both sweet and savoury. The sweet version will include chocolate, cherries and other kinds of fruits while ham, salami, cheese and tomatoes are normally topped on the bread for the savoury version. Although this place might be touristy and prices run a little higher than usual, it is THE place to be to try out all kinds of local cuisine.
2. Walk to the Buda Castle District
After a satisfying meal, you can opt to walk to the Buda Castle District where the Fisherman's Bastian, musuems and Matthias Church are located. Many first time tourist are confused when they could not find the 'castle' at this place. Although it might be refered to as the Buda Castle in short most of the time, the place does not have a castle. There are public transports available that takes you directly to the door. Alight at the terminal stop of Trams 4 and 6 or stop at Szell Kalman Ter from Metro M2. Then from there, Bus 16 and 16E both takes you up the hill. However we suggest taking the 45 minute walk from Central Market Hall. The Central Market Hall is located on the Pest side while the Buda Castle District is on the Buda side. So you need to cross the bridge to the Buda side and you can walk along the Danube River.
3. Explore the Buda Castle District
Matthias Church
If you take bus 16 or 16E, you will be dropped off directly in front of the Matthias Church. The Matthias Church is a Roman Catholic church. Although the first one was destroyed by the Mongols in 1241, the current one was builted in the 13th Century and named after King Matthias in the 19th Century. Entrance fee for students is 500HUF and 750HUF for adults.
Fisherman's Bastian
The Fisherman's Bastian is a terrace overlooking the city that surrounds the Matthias Church. It has seven towers and they represent the seven tribes that settled in the Carpathian Basin in 896. This is where you will need to take out your camera as the view will blow you away. It gives a panoramic view of the Danube River, Margaret Island, the Pest side and the Gellert Hill. To get to the top of the towers, you have to pay an entrance fee. This is totally your call as the second story of the tower is just as magnificent.
Stephen I
At the centre of the Fisherman's Bastian, there is a bronze statue of Stephen I of Hungary mounted on a horse. Also known as Saint Stephen, he was the first king of Hungary.
Museums
The Buda Castle Hill houses many museums such as the Hungary Museum of Applied Art, Hungary Museum of History and other off the beaten path museums like Hospital in the Rock and the Labyrinth. You can spend up to an entire day exploring the district and it's various museums. If you are in Budapest in the summer, you can wait till 21 June when Budapest has it's annual Night of the Museums. With a small fee of 1500HUF, you can visit all the museums in Budapest from 6pm to 2.30am. This is day where all the locals come out to visit museums.
Hospital in the Rock
Hospital in the Rock is a museum in a cavern under the Buda Castle that was previously used as an underground hospital during World War II. It was most heavily used during the Siege of Budapest which was a 50-day long encirclement of Budapest by the Soviet forces near the end of World War II. This museum provides guided tours and has an entrance fee of 3600HUF.
Labyrinth of Buda Castle
Right next to the Hospital in the Rock, the Labyrinth of Buda Castle is more of an underground maze than musuem. It is definitely suited to the paranormal-lovers amongst you. In some places, it is totally dark and has plenty of macabre exhibitions such the dracula, ghastly figures dress in Victorian outfits and statues. There is even mist to add to the atmosphere!
4. Lunch/Dinner
The Pest-Buda Bistro in the Buda Castle District is a good place to go when you are famished after exploring the area. This cozy restaurant offers authentic Hungarian food like goulash, live bands and excellent service.
Day 2
1. Szechenyi Thermal Bath
What is touring in Budapest without trying at least one of their world famour thermal baths? The Szechenyi Thermal Bath is simply magnificent. It is the largest medicinal bath in Europe and the water is supplied by two thermal springs of temperatures 74 Degrees and 77 Degrees. It has both outdoor and indoor pools with different temperatures, depths and water containing different minerals. This place is worth to spend your entire day there. Yes you heard me correctly, an entire day. You can pack your own food and have a little picnic there while sunbathing.
Besides the Szechenyi Bath, there are various other baths like the Gellert Thermal Bath in Gellert Hotel and the famous turkish Rudas Bath.
Day 3
1. Hero's Square
This is one of the major squares in Budapest and featuring stutues of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other important leaders. On the centre of the square lies the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is situated at the end of the Andrassy Road.
2. City Park
Vajdahunyad Castle
The Budapest City Park is a huge public park that houses several attractions and places and is located in the heart of Budapest, on the Pest side. Inside the park there is the Szechenyi Bath, Municipal Zoological and Botanical Garden, Municipal circus that is right in front of Szechenyi, the Vajdahunyad Castle etc. It is just a step away from the Hero's Square. During summer, this place is the epitome of summer chill. There are food fairs on the grounds of the castle and in the park, people sunbathing on the grass and little kids running around.
3. Dinner
After a day spent at the gorgeous city park, why not have an authentic Hungarian dinner with Peter, our host at BonAppetour? Located in the heart of Budapest, the menu starts with a traditional meat soup with vegetables. Hungarians eat a lot of soups which are usually very meaty. The main dish will be the delicious goulash served with bread. You can end the night with a typical Hungarian dessert called Somloi Galuska which is a layered sponge cake with vanilla, chocalate sauce, raisins and nuts. Of course there will be some good local wines to accompany the meal. Local wines such as palinka ( a fruit spirit) will be served with the main course and then the world famous Tokaji wine will be served alongside dessert.
Day 4
1. House of Terror
This is a museum located along Andrassy road and features exhibits relating to the fascist and communist dictorial regimes in the 20th Century Hungary. It also acts as a memorial to the victims of the regimes, such as those detained, interrogated, tortured or killed in the building. People place candles and flowers at the outside of the building as a tribute to those dead.
2. Andrassy Avenue
Andrassy Avenue is a boulevard in the centre of Budapest and alongside the road, there are many shops of major international brands. Recognised as a World Heritage Site in 2002, it is a place for shopping and fine dining.
3. Hungarian Parliament Building
One of the amazing things about Budapest is that the city is different in the day and night. By night, the golden glow transforms itself into a magnificent city of lights. Sit across the Danube to face the parliament and you will astonished by the beauty of the Parliament Building. During the day, the Parliament is open for visits too.
[icegram campaigns=”612″]
https://www.bonappetour.com/images/header-banner.png00An Qi Lihttps://www.bonappetour.com/images/header-banner.pngAn Qi Li2016-02-02 14:46:302016-10-19 09:42:29What To Do In Budapest
Lisbon is one of Europe's most underrated cities. It may not have the glitz and grandeur of more well-known European cities but the Portuguese capital charms visitors with its rustic and picturesque sidewalks, neighbourhoods and monuments.
During your visit to Lisbon, be sure to visit the follow attractions!
1. Belem Tower
The Belem Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage monument that is a symbol of the country and represents Portugal's Age of Discovery. It was built in the 16th century as a fortress to defend the port of Lisbon and is an example of Manueline architecture, which is reflected in the monument's lavish details. Such an architectural style symbolises the wealth and prosperity that Portugal was enjoying then.
2. Feira Da Ladra
If you are hoping to snag a good deal during your stay in Lisbon, visit Feira Da Ladra, a flea market held every Tuesday and Thursday. The name of the market translates into 'female theives' market' but fear not, the market is safe and legal and packed full of bargains. You can expect to find antiques, hand-made crafts, books, clothing, furniture and other knick knacks here. Do drop down early if you are intending to do some serious shopping here!
3. Roman Theatre Museum
Discover Lisbon's Roman Past at the Roman Theatre Museum, which features the remains of Lisbon's Roman theatre as well as other archaeological findings such as columns and structures. It is believed that the Roman theatre was built during the Augustan age but was abandoned by the 4th century. The massive earthquake that struck Lisbon in 1755 piled rubble onto this site and it was only during the 1960s that excavations of the city's Roman Theatre began.
4. Jeronimos Monastery
Like the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and a monument to the Portuguese Age of Discovery. It is one of the most iconic examples of late-Gothic Manueline style architecture and houses a church, cloister and two museums – the Maritime Museum and Archaeology Museum. Discover Portugal's rich maritime history and its expeditions at sea as well at the Maritime Museum as well as Egyptian antiques and relics excavated throughout the country at the Archaeology Museum.
5. Carmo Convent
Carmo Convent was once Portugal's largest church. Following the massive earthquake that struck Lisbon in 1755, the church was ruined and its library of 5,000 books were reduced to ashes. All that remains of Carmo Convent are its ruined arches and its roofless nave is a feature intentionally kept as a reminder of the disaster then. There is a small archaelogical museum at where the main altar was once situated, displaying a collection of artifacts, old coins as well as ancient tombstones.
6. Castelo de Sao Jorge
Located at the top of a hill, the Castelo de Sao Jorge visible from nearly anywhere in Lisbon. The castle was mainly used to house military personnel but was once the residence of the Moorish royals. During the 1755 earthquake, much of the castle was destroyed but a series of rebuilding and restoration projects soon followed. Today, the castle houses a Camera Obscura, archaeological site as well as a gallery. Given the hilltop location of the castle, you will also get to enjoy spectacular views of the city.
https://www.bonappetour.com/images/header-banner.png00Genevieve Chanhttps://www.bonappetour.com/images/header-banner.pngGenevieve Chan2016-01-20 03:21:072016-10-19 09:42:37Must see attractions in Lisbon
