If you are planning a trip to St Peterbourg but would like something more than a generic booked tour, you might want to consider renting a flat to stay in while you are there. There are many short-term apartment rental options available right in the center of St Peterbourg, that will allow you to be in a convenient location while experiencing a local feel to make your trip that much more special.

Reasons for Renting a Flat in St Peterbourg

Founded in 1703, the city of St. Peterbourg has retained its historic charm and splendour to this day. With its beautiful architecture and the numerous canals, the city has been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Hence, it would be a shame not to experience the magic of this stunning city firsthand. Staying in hotels is the most obvious option but hotels can be impersonal and soulless. Renting your own apartment during your trip lets you absorb the local atmosphere while making you feel at home at the same time. It leaves you the option of coming and going as you please and you do not have to plan your day around hotel check in times or cleaning schedules. Hotels require you book two or three rooms if you are travelling with your family, so renting a flat can prove to be more economical if you are on a budget. The apartments will generally have a kitchen, so there is the added advantage of cooking your meals in your own time and according to your own preferences, which is exceptionally useful for people who follow a specific diet.

Options in the Center of St Peterbourg

There are many companies and agencies that help tourists find the perfect house for their stay in St Peterbourg. PiterStay has a selection of beautifully furnished one- to five-bedroom flats that you can rent for as less as two days. Petersburg-Lodging is another great site that has a huge selection of apartments, so whether you need a small two-bedroom house, a comfy studio apartment or a huge luxury flat, there is something for everyone. These agencies provide information about long-term flats as well, besides offering help with visa and transport. The center of St Peterbourg is a convenient location as the shops and restaurants are at a walking distance, and transport is easy because there is bound to be a metro station near your place. You can spend the day at the Peterhof Palace and Garden or plan an impromptu trip to St. Issac’s Cathedral. Eat at the Palkin restaurant and behold the grace of Russian ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre. At the end of the long day, you can come back and relax in your own apartment and feel at home in the glorious city of St. Peterbourg.  

Visit Berlin in 3 Days If you are in need of a short break to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Berlin is the perfect European destination. With fantastic transport links and a top class range of accommodation options, the German capital city has a wealth of attractions to suit every budget. Indeed, over 135 million people make a visit to Berlin every year, which makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. However, with such a vast range of sights to see and places to visit, it can be difficult to know how to best spend your 3 days in Berlin. Here are a few tips to help you on your way. Travel Passes and Discount Offers One of the first things you should do if you want to visit Berlin for 3 days is to buy one of the city’s 72 hour travel cards which allow you to use any public transport within zones A and B of the city. This is perfect for a whistle stop tour of the metropolises and also has the added benefit of offering significant discounts on certain major cultural attractions. With your transport sorted you can start to properly explore the city. Walking Tours For first time visitors it is a good idea to book onto a guided walking tour. A number of different operators work in the city, but there is a very reliable English language tour that sets off from the Zoo train station on a daily basis, or a free tour that meets outside Starbucks every day at 11am. This is a great way to witness some of the main landmarks, including the Brandenburg Gate. The Reichstag is couple of minutes walk from the Brandenburg Gate, and the old Parliament building is a must see attraction due to its breathtaking views and turbulent history. Arts and Culture If you enjoy arts and culture then you certainly won’t be disappointed when you visit Berlin. The aptly named Museum Island is home to five of the most internationally renowned museums in the world and can keep you occupied for hours. The Berlin Wall is another piece of cultural history that you simply cannot miss when you visit Berlin. The East Side Gallery serves as an international memorial for peace and freedom, and is one of the best preserved sections of the wall today. Tiergarten park is a great place to take a stroll and unwind later on in a day before you have your evening meal. Finally, if you enjoy a good night out make sure to visit some of the city’s electric nightclubs on at least one occasion during your 3 day stay.

Situated a short distance away from the American border, Montreal is also close by other major destinations, such as Ottawa and Quebec City. There is much to see and do in this historic location. However, when you want to spend an entire week in Montreal, you may be unsure about what to do. As there are a considerable number of attractions, here’s a guide about what you could do. Experiencing a wonder of nature An approximate forty five minute walk of six to seven kilometres, Mount Royal offers panoramic views of Montreal. Situated in the centre of Montreal, Mount Royal has an elevation of over seven hundred feet. Found at the summit are many attractions which will entertain people of all ages. Not only can you see Smith House which has heritage listing which informs visitors about the history of Mount Royal, but you can also ice skate during the winter on Beaver Lake. If you venture to Mount Royal on Sunday mornings from May through to October, an outdoor drum jam takes place. Enjoy many festivals which are held throughout the year As with other major Canadian cities and locations, you can see many festivals which take place during the vast majority of the year. Happening at the end of February is the ‘High Lights Festival’. During this very popular festival which attracts thousands of people, events are held throughout the city, such as ice skating, fireworks and live music. Taking place until 4am, this festival could be a very memorable way to end your entire week in Montreal or as a perfect way to begin your stay. Helping to whet the appetite Montreal proudly boasts many public markets which are found throughout the city. The best local produce can be purchased here and at affordable prices as well. If you want to enjoy delicious food but you don’t want to exceed your budget, this is possible because of these public markets. Such popular markets include Atwater Market and the Jean-Talon Market where you can buy breads, meats and tasty cheeses. As these and numerous other public markets are open throughout the vast majority of the week, you could visit many markets during your stay in this fabulous city. As this city has many other attractions, you’ll discover that spending an entire week in Montreal is simply not long enough and you will want to extend your holiday for much longer.

Istanbul is a remarkable and interesting city – one that should not be missed if you travel to that part of the world. For it is here that east meets west in a delightful mix of modern comfort, familiar ease, and exotic relaxation. Great Time in Istanbul If you would like to have a great time in Istanbul, some careful planning should be in order. The last thing you want is to find yourself overwhelmed by the many tempting sights and sounds that you are ‘pushed’ to visit, not to mention the barrage of last minute advice you hear from the people who claim that they hold the key to the secret of having a great time in Istanbul. Must See If you are a history buff and would like to set your eyes on Istanbul’s many ancient monuments, start by visiting the Haghia Sophia museum and church. This is truly an imposing 1400-year old building, with a huge, impressive dome that is adorned with mosaics and frescoes from the Byzantine era. Then, proceed to the nearby breathtaking Blue Mosque. Also ancient, it has six remarkable minarets and is decorated to the nines with the most beautiful architecture. Next, walk over to the Topakpi Palace not too far away. Once a dwelling of royalties, you need a long stretch of time to savour what you will be seeing here – harems, courtyards, meeting rooms, and many, many more. If this is the type of place that captures your interest, then, there are numerous other similar places to explore like the Kucuk Ayasofya Camii, sometimes referred to as the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus. This is a calm and peaceful place of worship, adorned by some live ducks in the courtyard! Similarly, there is the Ortakoy, which is a pleasant neighborhood that houses old buildings that have been renovated. Must Experience To keep the trip interesting, it is best to alternate between seeing and experiencing. If the Haghia Sophia is a must-see, then the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam is a must-experience. What is a trip to Istanbul if you do not indulge yourself in a traditional Turkish bath? Upmarket hamams like the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam are simply lovely. You will feel relaxed and pampered as the attendants splash soothing water on your tired body. Just soak the moment and enjoy. Another great must-see and must-experience is to immerse in some delightful Turkish dances. For this, you need to spend time at the Hodjapasha Culture Center, where you can feast your eyes on great dancing costumes and engross in the fantastic sound of Turkish live music. Then, stroll into the exhibition in the foyer, where you can learn all about Turkey’s dance culture history. Enjoy Istanbul This is just a sample of how you can enjoy Istanbul. What you need is to plan your days well ahead. Good planning will definitely result in a great time there!

There is no end to what you have to do in Shangai. If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city and the beautiful towering architecture then you will love it here. The variety of Shangai is what makes it so special and diverse. Here are some fantastic places to visit while you are on your trip.

Yu Yuan Garden

This famous garden in Shangai is a peaceful place to go when you tire of the busy streets of the city. The Bazaar is close by and has a number of vendors who sell their freshly made food to the tourists. These tranquil gardens were originally privately built by Pan Yunduan who constructed it for his parents and is now surrounded by traditional Chinese architecture. You can even take home some souvenirs like chopsticks or Chinese silk pyjamas.

The Bund

World famous among visitors to Shangai, this landmark is filled with striking architecture all on the waterfront. The building designs include Gothic, Renaissance and Romanesque among many other styles. Take a walk through the newly renovated Fairmont Peace Hotel or drop into the M on the Bund for a drink. You can also take a walk along the promenade next to the Huang Pu River.

Nanjing Road

If you are still wondering what you have to do in Shangai then look no further than Nanjing Road. Once there were only four shops here but now it is known as one of the most popular shopping streets in the city. This road is packed with theatres, specialist shops and hotels as well as many restaurants and chain stores.

Moganshan Road Art District

Experience the world of art in the city by taking a trip to Moganshan Road near Suzhou Creek. Drop into some of the galleries including the EastLink Gallery, the Art Scene Warehouse and Shanghart. There is a little coffee shop at the beginning of the lane in which you can watch the world go by once you have taken the tour. Once filled with warehouses and factories, it is now a popular haunt for the creative and artistic.

Huang Pu River

Shangai’s landmark, Huang Pu River is popular among tourists and is used among natives for industry. The fishery industry is the most dominant trade the river is used for but it also has opportunities for tourists to take boat trips along it. Watch the bright lights go by on a peaceful trip along the waterfront. What you have to do in Shangai knows no bounds as this city has much to offer new visitors. You will have to take a second trip just to take in all of its magnificent beauty.

There are so many things to do in Tokyo, that you need more than a week to cover all the popular places to go and things to do. And even then, you are really rushing it in just one week, because Tokyo has a lot to offer – sights, sounds, and everything else in between. Tokyo’s Popular Sights The city’s most sought-after places usually include Tokyo Tower, the Imperial Palace Plaza, the Sensoji Temple “Asakusa Kannon” and the Nakamise-dori, and the Ueno. These places can be covered quite comfortably in a day. The first stop at Tokyo Tower essentially ‘sets the scene’, for, from this imposing tower, you can see most of the city and enjoy a fantastic and panoramic view. The next stop, which is the Imperial Palace, provides endless photo opportunities as you stroll around the outer gardens. As for the Sensoji Temple, this is a must-see for tourists who are interested to delve a bit deeper into Japan’s Buddhist psyche. The Nakamise-dori is a promenade that leads to the temple vicinity, whereby you will be entertained by a myriad of food and souvenir shops lining the promenade. At the end of your first day, walk around the Ueno, which has a zoo and a park. Unwind amidst natural surroundings as you prepare for the next day’s excavation. Traditional Sumo Tournament After a busy first day, the second day in your week in Tokyo should be a relaxing one. Spend half a day watching a traditional Sumo tournament at the Kokugikan (Sumo Amphitheater). Drop by the Sumo Museum to learn more about this sport. Take the rest of the day off to prepare for the next three days, where you ought to travel via bullet train to nearby Nara and Kyoto. No week in Tokyo is complete without visiting the city’s close cities. In the short trip, you will have the opportunity to tour Nara’s temples and shrines before proceeding to Kyoto, which is known as the cradle of Japan’s cultural heritage. Japan’s Tea Ceremony The sixth day of your week in Tokyo is best filled with a one-hour relaxing boat cruise on the beautiful Sumida River. After the cruise, do some serious shopping at the famous Ginza shopping district or the Nakamise shopping street. In the afternoon, unwind by participating in a traditional tea ceremony, where you will not only witness a tradition that has been practised for thousands of years, but also enjoy some good, refreshing tea! Wrap Up Your Trip Make your last day in Tokyo the most memorable one by taking on a Japanese culinary adventure. Dedicate the day to sushi and all that this delightful food entails. Start by visiting Japan’s (and probably the world’s) largest fish market, and then try making some sushi, before feasting on your handiwork! That will wrap up a glorious week in Tokyo for you!

Italy is a marvellous place to visit. Whether you want to spend time in this country for holidays, working in Italy is highly recommended as well. Found throughout this historic country are many towns and cities which you can reside in and enjoy. From its northern, industrial territories to the rural south, Rome continues to attract many travellers who want to see this wonderful city for themselves. When you spend time in this city for holidays or any other reason, it is recommended that you rent a flat in Rome. The reasons why you should stay in a flat When choosing to rent a flat in Rome, this will enable you to see as much of Rome as possible. No matter what your religious persuasion is, visiting the Vatican and its Sistine Chapel is an unforgettable experience. As other attractions are found in Rome, you will want to see as many of them as possible. If you stay in a hotel or apartment which is a considerable distance away from the city, much of your time will be spent on travelling. When you rent a flat in Rome, many of its other wonders can be seen such as the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. The many types of flats which you can rent As with other worldwide capital cities, there is much to choose from when you want to rent a flat in Rome. As many buildings in this city are hundreds of years old, the size of the flats themselves varies from one to the next. Whether a flat which has a balcony is selected or one which is part of a complex, the exact location of the flat itself differs as well. As you can rent a flat in Rome which is situated nearby one of the aforementioned attractions, you won’t have to travel a very long way in order to see a particular attraction. When you want to rent a flat in Rome for holidays or because you are due to start a job in this historic city, the exact price varies as well. As the money which is charged per week or month differs for each individual flat, full details about the exact price is provided along with other information, such as its amenities. Therefore, you will know about whether your budget can sustain staying in a particular flat or not for whatever period of time.

The Spanish way of life in Madrid can be experienced in various ways. Their way of life is different from any other. The residents of the largest city in Spain are slow-paced, more relaxed and less troubled making it possible to enjoy their way of life better. You do not have to rush while strolling or having your food for everything can be done in a comfortable and acceptable slow pace. The city is characterized by late lunches, siestas and the favorite pass time of watching people while enjoying food and refreshments. If you are in pursuit of happiness, the Spanish capital may be your ultimate destination. There are numerous shops, hotels, movie theatres, restaurants, museums, bars, discotheques and cafeterias among many other amenities that can make your stay enjoyable. Madrid’s attractions There are many enjoyable things you can do to enjoy Madrid’s way of life. You can visit Cerralbo Museum, Prado Museum, Sorolla Museum among others to learn the history and culture of the people. Some of the museums may host concerts and contain galleries of art. Historical sites such as Arab Wall, Plaza de la Villa, Casa de Museo Lope de Vega and El Palacio Real de Aranjuez among others are some of the must-see gems. The city has over 40 parks where families can enjoy great outdoor activities. Some include Parque Quinta de la Fuente, Parque del Oeste and Parque del Retiro. Other ways to enjoy the Spanish way of life in Madrid include experiencing the robust nightlife in neighborhoods such as Puerta del Sol, Alonso Martinez, Bilbao, Atocha and Tribunal. You can enjoy Spanish way of life in Madrid during the night in places such as clubs, live music venues, cocktail bars, jazz lounges and tapas bars inclusive of many others. Classical music and opera establishments include Teatro Real, Auditorio 400, Teatro de la Zarzuela, Auditorio Nacional de Música and Teatro Monumental. Local festivals include Three Kings Procession, Madrid en Danza, La Candaleria, Dos de Mayo, Festimad and Madrid Jazz Festival among others. Experiencing bullfighting is another good way to enjoy the ways of the Spanish people. The sport is performed during festivities, public holidays, Sunday as well as during the bullfighting season. The Las Ventas is the largest bullring with a sitting capacity of over 20,000 fans. Transportation in Madrid Getting around in Madrid is convenient and cheap which makes it good if you want to tour the capital. The inexpensive and well organized transport system includes taxis, metro, buses and car hire. The system accommodates even the disabled. You can opt to walk around the capital while sightseeing and familiarizing yourself with the city. Walking can get you access to places where the various transport methods can not go.

3 Days in New-york : essential visits New-york is a dream destination for most and is certainly one of the many places that a person should visit at least once. The city of New-york is a hotbed of fashion, entertainment, culture, business and general excitement which most visitors instantly get a sense of when they arrive and are reluctant to leave behind when they return home. Used as a location in so many films, people often experience a sense of familiarity when they are in New York but nothing matches being there in real life. If 3 days are all that a person has, there are certainly some key attractions and landmarks that are absolutely essential destinations. Famous Landmarks At the top of the list arethe inherently New-york landmarks of buildings and monuments. The Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty are perhaps the two most recognisable and popular destinations for newcomers to the city. A boat can be gotten from the harbour which will bring visitors out to Ellis Island and around in order to get to the statue. This boat trip also provides a fantastic view of the Manhattan cityscape and is the perfect time to take photographs. Similarly, atop the Empire State Building is a wealth of photo opportunities of the city and its environs including the bridges that surround it and lead to the outer areas. New-york : essential visits for Museums and Culture A trip to the Big Apple is nothing without a trip to the infamous museums that are dotted around the city. Begin with the Metropolitan Museum of Art for an amazing perspective on 20th century artists and several renowned masterpieces. Located just off Central Park, the Guggenheim is another art museum and architectural wonder that is well worth the trip. Finally, take time to go to the Museum of Natural History, a remarkable and awe-inspiring building which tells the story of the origins of mankind, space, the earth and a host of other scientific mysteries. New-york : essential visits for entertainment For a truly entertaining and exhilarating day, go to Times Square which also leads to Broadway Avenue. The square is a pivotal location within the city and is a hub of activity and lights that will energise even the most jaded of visitors. Seeing a Broadway musical is a must and a visit to Times Square will allow you to take advantage of the half-price tickets available if you queue up. Madame Tussauds, the infamous waxworks museum is also located here and Central park can be easily walked to from this central location. The park houses a playground, zoo, ice-rink, baseball fields, swimming pool and even hiking trails, making it an ideal destination any day of the week.

A week in the beautiful city that is Sweden’s capital invites you to a sleek experience of terracotta buildings, vibrant nightlife and amazing culture. A winter break will place you in a white holiday to remember, and this is a popular period for many travellers. A week is a sufficient amount of time to visit the heart of Scandinavia and experience a holiday week in Stockolm’s highlights, here are our recommendations.

The Sights of Stockolm

Walk the cobbled streets of the old town Gamla Stan and visit as many gift shops as desired. You can rest in a variety of restaurants and ice cream parlours for the Stockolm tradition of fika: sharing coffee and some cake with friends. There are plenty of boutiques and retro shops in up-market and stylish Ostermalm. The Royal Palace sits majestically on the island as its regal crown. Those who like a historical feel will appreciate the palaces and rich culture offered amidst the 700 years of historical buildings so perfectly kept intact. Stand in awe as you gaze upon the gothic churches.

Sightseeing Outside The City

While enjoying your holiday week in Stockolm, there are some sightseeing tours going out of the city to the rocky islands of the archipelago. The capital may come as a surprise to you with its land spread across 14 islands. From Lake Malaran, view the Baltic Sea and soak up the crystal blue skies and crisp winter air. Continue your historical journey across the islands sights by taking a ferry to the island of Djurgarden; the island boasts the 100 year old town called Skansen embellishing a foray of tradition in pottery, bakery, saddle-making and glass blowing. Ferry rides from Stockholm’s city centre to the islands are quite regular so you can partake of some more fika and just head across for the next ferry. Continue your historical Scandinavian journey and visit Uppsala and Sigtuna for some real culture and contemporary excitement. Fan of the Steig Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy books? Visit the location setting for the tales at Sodermalm, a popular choice and the Millennium Tour can be booked in Stockolm.

Shopping in Stockholm

If shopping is your reason for being in Stockholm, the city centre will tempt you into a number of big fashion stores. Visit some real Nordic shops selling designer fashion, household objects and other Swedish apparel. For cosmetics, visit NK or Nordiska Kompaniet for stylish shoes, cosmetics, and Nordic crystal. Take a peek in PUB on Drottninggatan; if you like designer art glass and varied household objects, take a peek in Ahlens. This store offers the latest in Swedish fashion. Enjoy your holiday week in Stockolm, the true majestic Swedish city.