2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide - (Page 37)

SWITZERLAND Zurich On the one hand, Zurich is a wealthy metropolis and modern banking capital with over 50 museums and upwards of 100 art galleries attesting to its medieval history; on the other, it's an edgy central European destination with a vibrant arts and nightlife scene. Whichever side you choose to embrace, this cultural hotspot definitely deserves top spot on your travel bucket list. SEE: Speaking of Zurich's party scene, one of the city's best-kept secrets, Badi-bars, give a new spin to the old dive bar concept. At nightfall, the city's pools and lidos turn into adult playgrounds with music and dancing; Barfussbar, Seebad Enge and Rimini Bar are three of the best. SAVOR: Chocoholics rejoice! Zurich is teeming with traditional artisanal chocolate shops from well-known names, such as Teuscher and Sprungli to lesser-known names, such as Honold. Remember: Never chew chocolate; to truly taste the entire range of flavors packed into these decadent morsels you have to let it melt in your mouth. SIGNATURE EVENT: Dubbed the "Festival of Festivals," Zurich Festival (June 3-26) celebrates the city's diversity with opera performances, concerts, classic theater, dance and a musical firework display in various venues across Geneva. STAY: Settled at the foot of the Uetliberg Mountain, Atlantis by Giardino opened as a Design Hotel last December after a complete refurbishment. A frequent of international celebrities during the height of its popularity, this former 1970s vintage hotel is now a quieter urban retreat, yet it still offers guests glamour with 95 luxurious guestrooms, a spa and impressive city views. April to October FUN FACT: Whistling is forbidden in London's Burlington Arcade because it was used by pickpockets as coded signals in the 19th century GETTING THERE: Delta flies to London from Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, New York (JFK), Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Salt Lake City; to Edinburgh from New York (JFK), with service starting May 2016; to Aberdeen and Glasgow connecting through Amsterdam and Paris; and to Manchester from New York (JFK) ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: Great British Pound LOCAL FOODS: Arbroath smokies in Scotland; British cheese; pork pies; Scotland's Lorne sausage; haggis in Scotland; Devonshire cream teas; gingerbread; Cornish pastry; Bakewell pudding BEST BUYS: Scottish whisky; kilts; one-of-a-kind designer clothing; antiques; vintage fashion; cashmere; and anything Royal, of course INFORMATION PLEASE: visitbritain.com BEST TIME TO GO: Aberdeen UNITED KINGDOM FACTS Zurich's city-center. Scotland's third largest city is no slouch-on offer are top museums and galleries, the Old Town with cobbled streets, and a glittering granite skyline. It's also the jumping-off point for Castle Trail, with 17 castles spread throughout Aberdeenshire, from clifftop ruins to grand fortresses and royal residences. SEE: Hopscotch around town to take advantage of all the free attractions, including the Aberdeen Maritime Museum; the Tolbooth Museum, with 17th century prison cells; the 12th century St. Machar's Cathedral; the Aberdeen Art Gallery; and the Gordon Highlanders Museum, which tells the story of the Gordon Highlanders from the Napoleonic Wars to the modern day. SAVOR: Embrace the great outdoors. Aberdeen is a natural fit for those seeking active pursuits-there's everything from hillwalking, sea kayaking and skiing, to golf at over 50 courses, and fishing in salmon rivers. SIGNATURE EVENT: Come to Scotland during the summer months for the Highland games-the most famous of which is the Braemar Gathering in Aberdeenshire. In 2016, it will take place on Sept. 3 and feature everything from tug-o-war and caber tossing to Highland dance competitions, piping, and field and track events. STAY: The four-star, 120-room Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel and Spa is a 19th century mansion set in 30 acres of countryside, some three miles outside the city-center. The resort, which offers connecting rooms ideal for families, features Blairs Restaurant and Soapie's Lounge Bar, as well as a spa, and an indoor heated pool. CRUISE: As a port-of-call for cruise ships and a major roll-on/roll-off ferry terminal, the port of Aberdeen handles around 140,000 passengers a year. 37 http://www.visitbritain.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide

Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Holland
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Ghana
Kenya
Morocco
Nigeria
South Africa
Senegal
Tanzania
Egypt
India
Israel
Turkey
United Arab Emirates

2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide