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Lisbon is a charming and vibrant city with picturesque cobblestone streets home to ornate architecture, delicious food, and friendly locals. Dubbed the “City of Seven of Hills”, you will spend most of your days walking along steep hills with spectacular city views or riding old cable cars up and down the charming streets. Here are some of the best things to do in Lisbon.

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Head up the Bica Funicular

 

Your trip to Lisbon won’t be complete without riding the iconic Bica Funicular. The funicular links Largo do Calhariz to Rua de São Paulo and travels in a steep descent, crossing over the neighbourhood of Bica en route to Bairro Alto. 

The funicular ride is very scenic, passing along Lisbon’s distinctive buildings, cosy little shops, and great restaurants. When you get to the top, you’ll find the viewpoint of Miradouro de Santa Catarina, from where you can admire Lisbon’s panoramic views.

Eat at the Ribeira Market

 

As Lisbon’s main food market, Mercado da Ribeira is a haven for foodies. It has been operating since 1892 and has a long line of stalls selling everything, from fresh produce to all kinds of street foods. The bustling market is open from 6 AM to 2 PM and has a food hall with a canteen-style eatery, where you can indulge in delectable Portuguese delicacies. Whether you’re craving tapas or pasteis de nata, you’ll find them in Mercado da Ribeira.

See the Tile Museum

 

Lisbon is famous for its beautiful buildings with intricate tilework. If you want to see the most incredible tilework in the city, head to the National Tile Museum, also called the Museu Nacional do Azulejo. The museum is a bit off-the-beaten-path, but it’s definitely a fun place to check out. You’ll be amazed at the beautiful walls with different tile paintings that convey stories from the bible, including those with opulent golden adornments. There’s also a little cafe and restaurant in the museum where you can relax and have some snacks after going around the building. With so many of Portugals stunning rental villas located near here, you will find a convenient location to explore. 

Head to the Lisbon Coast

 

One of the best things to do in Lisbon is to go to the coast and hit the beaches. You will find several beach towns within a short distance from Lisbon, easily accessible by train. For instance, the picturesque coastal village of Cascais is only about 30 min from Lisbon and has a long stretch of beautiful sandy beach where you can lounge all day. Cascais is also a wonderful place to explore, with beautiful cobblestone streets lined with several bars and cafes.

Look out at Graça Viewpoint

 

The lovely neighbourhood of Graca is Lisbon’s highest point, and where you will find the viewpoint of Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte. Getting to the place requires a steep climb, yet you will be rewarded with the most stunning panoramic views of the city. If you don’t see yourself walking all the way up, you can go to another viewpoint, which also offers incredible views of the magnificent Castelo de Sao Jorge.

Edinburgh is a gorgeous city famous for its wonderful mix of Georgian, Victorian, and medieval architecture. Most of the city’s main attractions are within walking distance from each other, so you can stay in different neighbourhoods without being too far away from the sights. Here are some ideas on the best places to stay around Edinburgh.

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Stay in New Town

 

Lying north of Waverley station, New Town is the main shopping district of Edinburgh and a great place to stay if you want to indulge in some retail therapy while in the city. You will also find chic bars and restaurants in the area, making it an ideal base for foodies who want to discover Edinburgh’s culinary scene.

Flanked by Neoclassic and Georgian architecture, the picturesque streets of New Town are a joy to explore. It encompasses Princes and George streets and some areas in Stockbridge.

Stay near the Royal Mile

 

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the Royal Mile is an area steeped in history. It’s a short walk away to the Grassmarket and the imposing Edinburgh Castle. If you’re here to go sightseeing, the Royal Mile is the perfect area to stay.

The Royal Mile is surrounded by impressive tenements with cobblestone streets interlocking between them. When staying in this area, you’ll be within walking distance of great attractions like the St Giles’ Cathedral and the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

Old Town

 

The Old Town is Edinburgh’s most famous historic street, perched on a hill above New Town and centred around the Royal Mile. Aside from the medieval architecture and small lanes lined with excellent bars and great museums, Old Town is home to most of Edinburgh’s top attractions, which include the Museum of Edinburgh, the Scottish Parliament Building, and the Edinburgh Castle.

If you want to stay in the Old Town, consider staying at Witchery by the Castle Hotel, a popular bed and breakfast accommodation offering a range of exquisite suites.

Stay in Inveraray Castle

 

During your visit, you should consider staying in a Scottish castle, a popular trend and something not to miss while in Edinburgh. If you want to experience how it is to live like royalty, consider sleeping at Inveraray Castle. Offering superb accommodations, Inveraray Castle is the best place to enjoy an authentic Scottish castle holiday. While staying in the castle, you will have an opportunity to enjoy fun activities like hiking and horse riding across the estate. 

Stay in Fife

 

Fife is a historic area outside Edinburgh famous for its stunning coastline, picturesque fishing villages, and vibrant culture. It has direct commuter links to Edinburgh, which makes it easier to travel to the capital and explore its famous sites. You’ll also find plenty of great places to explore in Fife, such as the East Neuk Villages, St Andrews, and the Tentsmuir Beach and Forest. What’s great about staying in Fife is you’ll find many historic houses where you can spend the night and an ideal option for those travelling in big groups.

Sheffield is one of England’s largest cities, home to gorgeous parks like the Winter Garden and the Peace Gardens, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. There are many great reasons why you should choose Sheffield for your next holiday destination. To help make your visit to Sheffield more enjoyable, here are some great ideas on where to stay in the city during your holiday.

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Stay in a Boat on Victoria Quays

 

If you want a unique place to sleep in Sheffield, head to Victoria Quays, where you’ll find houseboat hotels. These boats have the same amenities as a hotel room, such as comfy beds, flat-screen TVs, central heating, a full-size shower, and complimentary toiletries. Some boats have a well-equipped kitchen, allowing you to cook your meals. Featuring gorgeous waterfront views, the houseboats in Victoria Quays are only a short walk to the Sheffield city centre.

Stay in a Pub in the Centre

 

Staying in a pub in the centre of Sheffield is a perfect option for those looking to experience something authentic. With unique appeal and distinct style, these pub hotels are a great alternative to the usual hotels and B&Bs. They are full of charm and character and housed in a building of architectural significance. Best of all, these pubs serve delicious food and drinks, which makes your holiday even more enjoyable. Since the pub is in the city centre, it’s an ideal base for exploring Sheffield’s famous attractions.

Stay in the Outskirts 

 

If you are going to Sheffield with friends or family, consider staying on the outskirts, where you’ll find fantastic lodges spacious enough to accommodate big groups. For instance, the Moscar Lodge in Hollow Meadows has tens, capable of accommodating up to 20 guests! It’s an ideal place for hosting hen parties and other special celebrations. The lodge has everything you need. There’s a spacious living room and a well-equipped kitchen to prepare meals. Outside, you will find a terrace with gorgeous views and a perfect spot to chill out with the group.

Stay in Trendy Sharrow Vale

 

Another great area to base yourself in Sheffield is the trendy district of Sharrow Vale, which lies in the southwestern suburb of Sheffield. It’s an area home to excellent pubs, restaurants, and shops. The vibrant community is well-connected to the city centre by bus, so you will not be far from Sheffield’s famous sights. It’s also home to some great hotels, such as The Psalter, a contemporary boutique hotel with a fantastic coffee shop and bar.

Stay near the Theatres and Catch a Play

 

Sheffield is famous for its complex of theatres and is one of the main reasons many visitors would come here. If you are here to catch a play, you should consider staying near the Theatres, which is in the centre of Sheffield. It’s a welcoming neighbourhood home to a great selection of bars.  

 

Paris is one of those cities, where regardless of how many times you visit, there’s always something to look forward to, since you cannot see everything in one go. If you’re planning to visit the City of Lights soon, and need ideas on what to do, check out our list below.

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Eat Cheese

 

Eating cheese is one of the most “Parisian” things to do while in the City of Lights. As you know, French is known for its delectable variety of cheeses. In Paris, almost every street corner has a cheese shop or fromagerie.

Madame Barthelemy’s fromagerie in Rue de Grenelle is one of the best places to indulge in different cheese varieties in Paris. Another beautiful spot for cheese lovers is La Vache dans les Vignes, which you’ll find along Canal St-Martin. It’s where you can find every type of cheese imaginable, including a wide variety of cured meats.

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral

 

The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of those attractions in Paris that you should see at least once in your life. It’s a gorgeous masterpiece of Gothic architecture and where you can enjoy unparalleled views of Paris. The Notre Dame sits in the heart of Paris, so it’s hard to miss it. Marvel at its fascinating facade, and check out its interiors, where you’ll find stunning stained-glass windows.

Drink Wine

 

Wine is a significant part of the Parisian culture, making Paris a great destination to enjoy delicious wine. In fact, drinking wine is a highlight of every trip to Paris. If you’re planning a self-drive tour around Paris, there are several incredible wineries throughout the area to try. 

Most restaurants and cafes in Paris serve excellent quality wine, either by bottle, glass, or carafe. If you want to enjoy the tastiest wine in the city, you better head to one of its wine bars. Déviant, is a great wine bar to check out. The chic wine bar has a lively and energetic atmosphere and a great selection of wine and delectable meals. For those looking for a more upbeat nightlife experience, consider visiting the renowned nightclub l’arc paris.

Walk around Le Marais District

 

The Le Marais District has beautiful narrow cobblestone streets lined with great architecture, nice and cheap bars, and a multitude of mansions with hidden courtyards and tranquil gardens. Exuding an old-world charm, the Marais has a vibrant Jewish community with a rich culture and history.

Strolling through the neighbourhood is one of the best things to do in Paris, where you’ll come across fascinating sights, such as the Hôtel de Ville building and square, Billettes Church and Cloister, and Le square du Temple.

Eiffel Tower

 

The Eiffel Tower is synonymous with Paris. No matter how many times you have visited the City of Lights, it’s always a joy seeing the famous tower, which rises majestically above the Paris skyline. Besides, you will see it almost anywhere in the city. You could even be lucky enough to see it from your hotel window or when walking around the city! For a truly magnificent experience, climb to the top of the tower. Dine at one of its restaurants, which opens to superb views.

 

The mid-century modern style is a design style popular in the mid-20th century. The style went out of vogue but soon became popular among interior design enthusiasts. Cara Greenberg’s “Mid-century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s” made the term mainstream in 1983. Check out some characteristics of this period in interior design history.

Geometric Shapes

Mid-century modern (MCM) designs are noted for their ideal geometric shapes. However, many of the classic pieces from the era are notable by their forms, such as the famous Eero Saarinen bar stool. In addition, MCM furniture has clean lines that highlight the simplicity of the design. Once you are familiar with the works of the period, it will be easy to spot them in any setting.

Simplicity is the Focus

The MCM style focuses on simplicity over ornate frills and extravagant decorations. The settings are linear, with abundant space to move around. From the furniture to the accessories, the MCM style is very minimalist. You will notice the dominance of large furniture or sculptures – statement pieces. Every other item is kept at a minimum.

Functionality over Fashion

One of the defining features of MCM style is its emphasis on functionality over fashion. Furniture and decor are chosen first for their purpose, then for their form, resulting in pieces made with long-lasting materials and thoughtful design. That’s why furniture for mid-century interiors remains so relevant today, with many original designs still in use decades later. For those looking to bring this timeless appeal into modern spaces, explore curated selections from brands that offer quality craftsmanship and classic design, blending the charm of the past with the needs of the present.

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Experimental Materials and Textures

Mid-century modern designers experimented a lot with materials and colours. While wood was the primary material of the period, other materials were used frequently. The type of wood also differs from standard oak trees. Many used teak and rosewood, while others were created with metal, glass and vinyl. The textures also varied. You may find it difficult to differentiate between wood and wood veneer until you check carefully.

Neutral Colours with Contrast

Neutral colours were the order of the day during the MCM era. In the early days of the era, rooms feature minimalist colours like black, white and grey. Over time, warmer and brighter tones were adopted. Colourful accent pieces were also popular during the period. So it is normal to see a roomful of neutral colours interrupted by a bright orange chair.

Bridge Indoors and Outdoors

Another essential characteristic of the mid-century modern period was bridging the interior and exterior spaces. Plants were used to decorate indoor spaces to bring the outside inside. Many of the favoured materials also give off the look of seeing something fresh from the outside. The interior was regularly linked to the outside to make people feel connected to their environment. Big flat-panelled windows were used to make the space more welcoming.

Conclusion

Since the 1930s, the mid-century modern style has been trending among interior decor enthusiasts. The period was very different in its styles, which are still distinct today. However, you can add a few modern style touches to prevent your home from looking outdated.