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Lying on the Mediterranean Sea and bordered by France and Italy, Monaco is a small country offering a multitude of fun things to enjoy. Since the city is compact, getting around is easy. With that in mind, here are some of the best things to do in Monaco.

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See Prince’s Palace

 

The Prince’s Palace is the official residence of the Grimaldi family, the reigning family of Monaco. It’s been the Grimaldi family’s official seat for more than 700 years and where the famous Hollywood actress Grace Kelly lived when she married Prince Rainier III. The palace sits on Monaco Rock, right next to the Old Town, and visitors are allowed to visit some of its chambers, including a richly decorated room called the Throne Room.

Visit the Monaco Cathedral

 

The Cathédrale de Monaco is a Neo-Byzantine cathedral with an impressive facade of white stones. It’s the burial palace of the Princes of Monaco and holds the tombs of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. The cathedral houses the masterpiece of famous painter Louis Bréa, dating back to 1500. Another interesting work of art in the cathedral is the Episcopal throne, made out of Carrara marble.

The Cathédrale de Monaco holds mass every Sunday at 10 AM. It’s open to the public every day except during religious services. Visitors are required to dress appropriately when entering the cathedral.

The Formula 1 Grand Prix

 

The Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco is one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events and takes place each year in Monte Carlo around the last weekend of May. This event is one worth checking out, providing a unique and fun way to spend your time in Monaco. The race starts at Boulevard Albert 1 towards Place du Casino before making the harrowing turn at the Monte-Carlo Fairmont Hotel. If you are going to Monaco in May for the Grand Prix, it’s also worth attending another prestigious event, the Cannes Film Festival.

Walk around Jardin Exotique

 

Sitting on a hill that opens to the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, the Jardin Exotique is an oasis of incredible vegetation. The gardens are well-tended and extend into the rugged cliffs, overlooking mesmerising sea views. Holding an exotic collection of plants from South America, Mexico, and Africa, the Jardin Exotique is a fantastic place to visit, away from Monaco’s hustle and bustle.

As you stroll through the garden, you’ll find a variety of cactuses and succulents. Check out the Observatory Cave, where you’ll find remarkable stalagmites and stalactites.

Cruise the Yachts

 

Monaco is synonymous with yachts, so cruising is essentially a popular activity here. Monte Carlo, the country’s capital city, is where Monaco’s main port sits, along the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a picturesque harbour with two large marinas, including one dedicated pier for super yachts and berthing cruise ships. 

From Monaco, sail along the coast of Southern France and into Saint Tropez. Stroll along the town to marvel at its picturesque waterfront. Stroll through its charming streets and visit museums and galleries. Ascend to a hill to the Citadel of Saint-Tropez, where you can enjoy sweeping ocean views and the pretty harbour.

 

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.

Image Via: 1825 Interiors

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.

Ubud is a jungle oasis smacked right in the middle of the famous Indonesian island of Bali. As the spiritual hub of Bali, it is home to yoga studios, fascinating temples, luxury wellness resorts, bustling markets, and cosy cafes. If you’re planning to travel to Bali soon, you should spend a few days in Ubud. 

To help you plan your trip, here are some of the best things to do in Ubud.

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Explore the Temples and Rice Terraces

 

Your visit to Ubud will not be complete without exploring its magnificent temples and breathtaking rice terraces. Some of Bali’s best temples are in Ubud, with the Monkey Forest being the most popular among them. If you can, hire a motorbike. It’s the fastest and most convenient way to get around Ubud and visit its many attractions, including the temples and rice terraces. 

The Monkey Forest Temple is a series of three temples dating back from the 14th Century and is located in a nature reserve converted into a temple complex. It’s home to hundreds of monkeys running around and playing in the complex. These cute primates are considered spiritual animals believed to be guarding the temples. Take care of your belongings when getting around the temples since the monkeys are notorious for snatching items from visitors.

Another popular attraction you should not miss in Ubud is the magical Tegallalang Rice Terraces. Featuring countless layers of lush rice fields, exploring the rice terraces is such a wonderful experience. Come early in the morning to avoid the tourist crowds.

Street Food at Night

 

If you’re a foodie looking for a cultural experience in Bali, Ubud is the best place to be. The area comes alive at night, with many street food stalls selling all sorts of Balinese delicacies. You will find these stalls in the night markets of Ubud, which start at 5 PM and remains open until 9 PM.

Night markets are open-air markets set up by locals after nightfall. During the day, the area is a mere open space used as a town square or parking lot and only comes alive at night when street food vendors start setting up their stalls. The Sayan Market is one of Ubud’s most popular night markets, which lies at the intersection of Tebongkang and Sayan streets. Another market where you can indulge in delicious street foods is the Gianyar Night Market, which is about 10 km away from Ubud.

If there’s only one food you need to try in Bali, make it the babi guling or suckling pig. It’s a famous delicacy on the island, which consists of slow-roasted pork served with sausages, pork rinds, beans, veggies, and a generous serving of rice. You should also try the Bebek Betutu, a roast duck dish, and Nasi Campur, a platter of white rice served with numerous varieties of dishes like salads, tofu, sambal, long beans, and topped with peanuts and sauces.

Cruise Around the Nearby Islands

 

If you want to get out of Ubud and visit the nearby islands of Bali, you should try cruising. In fact, cruising is a popular activity in Bali, taking you to islands like Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, or Nusa Ceningan. Many tour operators offer cruise packages in Bali, which may also include fun activities like snorkelling and sightseeing. 

During your cruise, you’ll visit pristine bays, where you can swim or snorkel at Indonesia’s most pristine coral reefs. Your boat will be cruising along the spectacular mangrove area of the Ceningan Channel, past towering limestone cliffs, and into idyllic and secluded beaches.

The highlight of most Bali cruises is snorkelling, where you could swim with dolphins, turtles, whales, and manta rays. Sometimes, they will come closer to your boat. Most of the cruises in Bali take only one day. It will depart in the morning and returns before 6 PM.

Scuba Diving

 

Scuba diving is another fun activity to try in Ubud. For this activity, you will explore Bali’s thriving and vibrant underwater world and discover the extensive coral reefs home to a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. Many dive centres in Bali offer open-water diving courses that are PADI-certified. You will also enjoy incredible encounters with manta rays, turtles, sharks, and more.

Tulamben and Amed, which lie on the east coast of Bali, are some of the best places to dive on the island, where you’ll come across mesmerising shipwrecks that have become homes to tropical fish and other fascinating marine life. Bali’s north coast is also a spectacular place to dive. It’s where you’ll find the expansive reef gardens of Pemuteran.

If you are a non-diver but want to explore underwater, you can try the submarine safari in Nusa Lembongan or Candidasa. You can also try the more exciting sea walks, where you will wear specially made helmets connected to oxygen as you walk underwater.

Meditation

 

As the spiritual hub of Bali, one of the best things to do in Ubud is to relax and meditate. Yoga and wellness centres are abundant in Bali, more particularly in Ubud. So, if you’re seeking calm and respite while on holiday to Bali, you should head to Ubud.

One of Ubud’s most popular meditation retreats is the Blooming Lotus, which uses silent meditation to find the answers to some of life’s deepest questions and reveal better states of well-being, clarity, and inner peace. The inner transformation that occurs after allowing yourself to let go and relax in the natural state is incomparable. The meditation retreat aims to transform your life for the better.

The Yoga Barn is a famous yoga studio in Ubud, offering wellness, holistic healing, and meditation retreats. It’s located in the heart of Ubud and has seven yoga studios, offering more than a hundred yoga classes. They also offer Ayurvedic treatments, sound baths, Tibetan bowls, and dance sessions. For a personalised yoga experience, head to Samadi Bali, a yoga centre offering different yoga classes focused on renewal and healing.