Seaside Splendor: Unveiling The Hidden Charms of Hotels in Brighton

BY  Ankita Mar 25, 2024

If you're finally on vacation in Florence, you'll definitely want to know how to enjoy your trip at night as well. Here in the evening, it is mostly the piazzas, clubs, and restaurants that come alive, all perfect places to discover another face of the city. 5 Things To Do In The Evenings While Travel To Florence Florence is a city that deserves to be experienced even when the sun goes down. While during the day it is interesting to wander around visiting monuments and attractions, in the evening, it is more pleasant to slow down and enjoy its beauty at a leisurely pace. Moving well in advance and choosing the best Florence hotel deals will give you the chance to find the most convenient lodging in the center, so you can move around in comfort and with ease, even in the evening. That said, here are 5 things to do in Florence as the sun goes down. Treating Yourself To A Tuscan Dinner: Travel To Florence Top Attraction  You can't say you've been to Florence without treating yourself at least once to a delicious dinner in full Tuscan style. Take advantage of your vacation to also explore the food and wine side of this city and choose one of the many restaurants where you can try typical local appetizers, first courses, main courses, and desserts. Among the traditional dishes, you are sure to find the famous Florentine steak, lampredotto, ribollita, tripe, schiacciata, and delicious Santucci. Accompany your dinner with an excellent glass of local wine. At the end of your meal, you can also end the evening with a delicious Italian gelato, which you can try at one of the many gelato shops dotting the center. Related: Best Places To Visit In Italy Taking A Walk Along The Arno River After Dinner Walking around without following a specific itinerary is one of the best experiences to have in the evening in Florence, especially after dinner when there are less people around. At this time of day, the city is truly magical and can show you another aspect of its beauty. It is a must for your travel to Florence.  One of the most striking points to reach is Ponte Vecchio, from which you can admire the Arno and the surrounding landscape. The famous jewelry stores will surely be closed, but this makes the bridge the main protagonist of the scene. You can take advantage of the moment to take memorable souvenir photos and capture the view from a different perspective. Travel To Florence And Admie The Duomo Without Crowds One of the best times to reach Piazza del Duomo is definitely in the evening. After sunset, the square begins to empty out, and admiring the Duomo in all its magnificence becomes even more impressive. You can also decide to reach the square in time for the sunset: admiring it from the top of the Dome or from Giotto's Bell Tower is impressive. Chilling Out In Piazza Della Signoria Piazza della Signoria is one of the most beautiful squares in the evening. Located a stone's throw away from the Uffizi Gallery, it is a great place to spend a few hours, if only to sit and admire the many wonders it houses. In fact, it is one of the city's main squares, home to the seat of civic power and the copy of the David. It is also one of the most popular gathering spots for tourists because of its elegant outdoor cafes and monuments. Visit The Academy Gallery With An Evening Tour Finally, it might be a good idea to take an evening tour of the Accademia Gallery so you can see the original statue of Michelangelo's David. In fact, there are guided tours that also start in the late afternoon, around 5 p.m., so you can avoid the crowds that invade the museum during daylight hours. There are also other attractions that give you the opportunity to join tours like this, such as the Uffizi Gallery or Palazzo Vecchio. Things To Know About Florence When planning to visit Florence during your holidays, you must have an idea of the evening life and the whole thing. This particular section provides a little discussion regarding Florence as a city. Cost Of Living If you wish to stay there for a week, the hotels will do it, but if you intend to stay longer, you must know the market prices. The groceries, restaurants, and transport prices are quite affordable in Florene compared to other major European cities. However, leisure activities can be quite costly. Therefore, you must take additional precautions and prepare for the stay budget there. The cost of renting the flats bank is in the area where you want to live. You can even find rent as low as  900 Euros in San Nicolo! Shopping While You Travel To Florence To Save Money Don’t get disheartened about finding the price of food products in Florence. Supermarkets like COOP and SISA are great places to shop for your daily requirements, there. There, you can find farmers’ markets in Florence. In the local shops, you will be able to find good deals for the day. It can give you good savings. You can easily enjoy bulk shopping and get cheaper deals compared to supermarkets.  What Are The Best Neighborhoods For Expats In Florence? When you intend to stay for a few days in Florence, you definitely understand the local culture. Living in the safest and best neighborhood will be the best choice. The district is on the south side of the Arno River. It is known for its massive art galleries, restaurants, and antique shops. These are the places where you find yourself close to the culture of Florence.  Mention needs to be made of the Duomo neighborhood. This is the place for those fascinated with old things and historic neighborhoods. The place is located right in the heart of the city. Moreover, it has become one of the prime spots for tourists. Apart from them, you have the San Marco neighborhood, which has a lot of similar characters.  Read Also: Unlocking The Secrets: Key Ingredients In Italian Cuisine Which Is The Best Time To Visit Auli? – Travel Guide

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 11, 2023

All aboard, travelers! If you're looking forward to a scenic and relaxed journey on the rails, it's essential to know some key train travel packing tips. They’ll make your trip a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Whether you're taking off on an exciting transcontinental adventure or just a weekend getaway, preparation is key. The right packing and planning can set the tone for a smooth ride. So, review these essential packing tips and must-haves for your next train travel adventure. Train Travel Packing Tips 1. Bring A Spacious Single Carry-On When selecting luggage, your best bet is a spacious carry-on bag. They're ideal for day trips and even those train travel packages that span a week or two. Choose a bag specifically designed for travel. It often has waterproof material and anti-theft features to protect your things inside as you focus on your trip. If you need more room for your belongings, a lightweight wheeled bag is an excellent alternative. Not only is it easy to maneuver, but it’ll also fit into the usually constrained compartments of many trains. Packing light becomes crucial here since space on trains isn't as generous as in planes. 2. Use Organisational Packing Cubes As a traveler's best friend, packing cubes help you organize your belongings. Organizing your belongings into various compartments allows you to easily locate what you need without turning your bag upside down.  Get cubes in varying sizes to fit everything from large pieces of clothing to socks and undies. Not only will these organizers save you time, but they’ll also keep your packing tidy throughout your journey. 3. Pack Clothing You Can Layer Understanding the weather and climate of your train route is vital, even if you'll be inside the train for the most part. Packing layered clothing allows for easy adjustments to fluctuating temperatures. Start with light layers and add warmth as needed. That way, unexpected weather changes won't catch you off guard. 4. Consider Bringing Multi-Purpose Items The more versatile the items in your luggage, the lighter you can pack. Think of multi-purpose garments or accessories that can serve more than one function. Bringing along a scarf that can double as a blanket, for example, saves you the need to pack too much. Now that you know how to pack effectively for your trips, check out what you need to bring for your worry-free journey via train. Train Travel Must-Haves A. Travel Documents Remember to have your necessary travel documents like tickets, identification, and any required visas at hand. A small document holder can make managing these essentials a breeze.  Failing to bring your documents could delay your trip or deny you entry on the train. Before you leave for the train, double-check these items first and last to ensure you won't forget anything. B. Personal Toiletries Some trains may provide complementary toiletry kits, but it's always a good idea to bring your own, just in case. A small toiletry bag with travel-size items like toothpaste and face wash can keep you fresh and clean during the journey. Why not pack multi-purpose toiletries like petroleum jelly or moisturizer with SPF to save more space in your kit? These items can help you pack more efficiently. Consider transferring the contents into tiny travel bottles to avoid bringing the larger original containers with you. C. Sleeping Kit For overnight journeys, a sleeping kit including a blanket, sleeping mask, ear plugs, and neck pillow will make your trip more restful. Investing in a compact set ensures comfort without taking up too much room. Pack these items together in one compartment to grab them easily before sleeping. D. Insulated Water Bottle And Snacks Even if the train offers fresh food and beverages to first-class and economy passengers, it won't hurt to bring your own for the trip. An insulated water bottle will keep your drinks at the right temperature, and snacks will fill your stomach between meals. Store your food in resealable pouches to keep the contents from spilling out and making a mess. E. Electronics And Entertainment Don't forget your charger, headphones, and favourite book or e-reader. A relaxing train journey is perfect for unwinding with a good read or movie. If possible, store your electronics, phone, and wallet in the same small bag, as these items are often considered valuables. F. Portable Clothesline A portable clothesline can be handy if you plan to freshen up some clothes during extended travel. It's light, practical, and easy to use. This train travel must-have is ideal for drying wet towels or using it as a makeshift bunk divider. Though, remember to ask for permission first before using it. G. Rubbish Bag The train may have several rubbish bins you can walk over to, but there'll be times when you just want to remain seated. A small rubbish bag comes in handy for these occasions since all you need to do is take it out and toss your waste inside. It helps keep your space clean and organized during long-haul journeys, whether luxury travels or trips planned at the last minute. Conclusion Embarking on a train journey doesn't need to be a puzzle. By following these train travel packing tips, you can have a stress-free ride anytime. From versatile carry-on choices to must-have comfort items, thoughtful planning makes all the difference. So, grab your ticket, pack wisely, and enjoy the scenic vistas through the window. The train route is waiting, and your seat is reserved!

BY  Sibashree Jan 28, 2026

Malacca gave me pieces of history, an insane fusion of cultures and cuisine that I can still remember now, and plenty of tourist attractions with meaning behind them.  There are many similarities between Georgetown, Penang, and Malacca – I hear that line all the time – but Malacca has a quieter atmosphere that you can feel when you walk through the streets. For starters, Georgetown and Malacca are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. You have no excuse not to visit either of these cities.  Malacca is located right between Singapore and KL, and it’s also a convenient spot to visit if you’re going to be in the area. Alright, no excuses. Need to visit Malacca in a day? Yes, you can definitely visit it on a day trip if you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur. I’ve also compiled a list of things to do in Malacca! How To Reach Malacca? Malacca can be found on the southeastern coast of Malaysia. The city lies nearly midway between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, though it is slightly nearer to KL.  Buses to Malacca operate from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, in addition to routes from Penang. You can also catch buses directly from KL Airport if you prefer not to spend time traveling there.  As I stated, taking a day trip from KL to Malacca is quite simple. How To Get Around Malacca? Although walking was my favored way to navigate Malacca, there are other alternatives available.  You can effortlessly arrange light-up rickshaws, taxis, and Grab ride shares to navigate the city.  If you’re coming to Malacca by bus, check if your hotel offers a free shuttle, as mine does.  If not, since Malaka Sentral is 3km away from Jonker Street, you'll have to use a taxi or take the local bus. Where To Stay In Malacca? Determining accommodation in Malacca should be straightforward if you concentrate on Chinatown.  There is no shortage of budget accommodations in Malacca, and I happily recommend Hotel Hong.  Simple and affordable, the employees were pleasant, and it was located in a fascinating neighborhood near the community mosque.  It contributed to making my time in Malacca a pleasant experience. What Are The Unique Things To Do In Malacca? Malacca's diverse cultures have influenced its captivating history, food, and architecture.  There are numerous activities in Malacca that allow you to discover these aspects of the city even more. View these eight as your foundation. 1. Exploring The Dutch Square Dutch Square is likely the ideal location to begin a visit to Malacca as it lies at the heart of the city's historic center.  Situated by the city's riverbank, this square is visually striking and carries historical importance.  At the center of Dutch Square lies a lively garden and fountain that are pleasant, but the stunning Dutch colonial buildings surrounding this square are the true highlight.  Painted uniformly in an earthy red hue, it's improbable you ever envisioned Malaysia resembling this.  However, Malaysia has many reminders of its colonial history, just like Malacca. This assortment of reminders truly possesses an impressive appearance. The primary attractions of Dutch Square include the Stadthuys, Christ Church Melaka, and the Malacca Clock Tower.  All were constructed in the 17th century by Dutch settlers, thus the square's name.  The Stadthuys, previously the home of the Governor, now contains an ethnographic museum. 2. Climbing To St. Paul’s Church As you ascend the side of the Stadthuys, you ought to notice a tiny staircase leading up the hill a little.  As you progress along this path, you’ll make your way to the summit of the hill and the atmospheric remains of St Paul’s Church.  The remnants of this roofless church hold a prominent position atop St Paul’s Hill, offering views across much of Malacca.  It's not a very challenging hike, and the church serves as a natural pause along the Malacca sights trail. Originally constructed by the Portuguese in the 1500s, it was harmed, restored, and renamed by the Dutch when they seized Malacca in the 1600s.  For more than a hundred years, the church has remained in decay, its stained walls serving as a testament to Malacca's intricate history. Additional reminders can be discovered by taking the northern route down from St Paul’s Hill, where you will come across several tombstones and the Dutch Graveyard. 3. Exploring A Famosa Before the Dutch came, Malacca was a fortified settlement of the Portuguese known as A Famosa. Numerous walls and fortifications from A Famosa were destroyed during the Dutch conquest, but Portuguese traces remain in several sites. Among the defenses, only the Porta de Santiago gate is still preserved. Capturing a picture here is undoubtedly one of the most popular pastimes in Malacca. 4. Taking A Tour Of The Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum Let’s not forget that before European settlers showed up, people were already living here.  The Malacca Sultanate ruled this area for over a century before the Portuguese ever set foot on these shores. When the Portuguese landed in the early 1500s, they didn’t waste any time. They tore down the sultan’s palace and put up St Paul’s Church right where it stood. Now, if you walk around Malacca, you’ll come across what looks like a real Sultanate Palace. Here’s the thing: it’s not the original.  The Melaka Sultanate Palace you see today is a detailed reconstruction from the 1980s. The reconstruction work took the old records as a guide.  Inside, there’s a museum that really dives into the culture and history of the city. Stroll through the gardens or check out the museum’s exhibits—you’ll see plenty about local traditions, clothing, legends, and more.  Honestly, it’s one of the most interesting spots to visit if you want to get a real feel for Malacca’s past. 5. Seeing The Melaka Riverfront Although there are more famous attractions in Malacca, the river undeniably stands as the city's primary landmark.  Winding through the larger city before dividing the Old Town from the colonial areas, the Melaka River is difficult to overlook.  When Malacca was a prominent port city, the river played a role in its prosperity. Nowadays, it fulfills its role by providing guests with river cruises and beautiful views. 6. Eating At Jonker Street Undoubtedly, no street in Malacca is more renowned than Jonker Street.  While it often appears to be just a primary road in the Old Town, the atmosphere shifts significantly on Friday and Saturday nights.  You see, that’s when the renowned Jonker Street night market takes place, and the street transforms into a crowd of people and food vendors.  Naturally, with my luck, I ended up overlooking this important attraction entirely by visiting at the wrong point in the week.  The Jonker Street night market is an excellent spot to sample traditional local Nyonya dishes along with innovative new foods.  To get a sense of what’s available, try the food here.  7. Wandering Through Old Chinatown However, the Old Town of Malacca offers much more than merely Jonker Street. Venture in any direction from this point and you'll quickly discover tighter streets, where each home exudes unique charm.  Half Chinatown and half Old Town, this district reveals another aspect of Malacca’s cultural blend.  Most impressively, distanced from the hustle of other areas in Malacca, strolling through this more tranquil section of the city allows you to absorb all the intricacies.  Although many of these historic residences feature weathered exteriors, several are completely deserted.  But isn’t that character, though? In any case, the softer atmosphere here is evident, with individuals simply going about their daily routines and extending a cheerful wave.  Malaysia can be chaotic and noisy at times, making my walks here distinctly memorable.  8. Visiting The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple Walk around the streets of Malacca’s Chinatown, and you’ll spot plenty of temples—no surprise there.  But it’s not just Chinese temples lining the streets. You’ll also find mosques and Hindu temples mixed in, which gives the area this cool, unexpected blend. In Malacca, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple stands out above the rest.  It sits right across from another temple, Xiang Lin Si, but Cheng Hoon Teng is the one with the real history behind it. They built it back in the mid-1600s, which actually makes it the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. When you look at all the intricate details, the carvings, and the roof ornaments, it’s wild to think how well everything’s held up after all these years. Cheng Hoon Teng does not belong to just one religion.  Inside, you’ll find people practicing Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism, all under one roof. That kind of mix is rare, and it gives the temple a unique energy you don’t see everywhere. Other Places You Can Add To Your Itinerary In Malacca Although I’ve mentioned the most remarkable and significant activities to engage in Malacca, they aren't the sole options.  Malacca hosts numerous other cultural sites, featuring a variety of museums. However, it also features a playful aspect, ranging from its Upside Down House to the Taming Sari Tower to the Oceanarium.  Generally, you will primarily remain in locations close to Chinatown or Dutch Square. Read Also: Luang Prabang Temple Guide: What Are The Top Buddhist Temples To Visit In Laos? 5 Top Bangkok Attractions to Add to Your Itinerary 5 Best Temples To Visit In Bangkok