Albany Senior High School/Europe For Teens

=  London  =

= Top Attractions and Entertainment - Where to go, what to see and what to do =

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Situated in between Parliament Street and St Margaret Street, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are one of London’s most popular tourist attractions. Big Ben is a clock tower with a large bell that chimes on the hour. Four smaller bells ring every quarter hour. Big Ben is not open for viewing inside, however the best view is from the outside where the magnificent structure towers over London. You can view the outside all year long. The Houses of Parliament have many different sections. It first started being built in 1042 and has expanded since. Most of the sections are open for viewing to the public during the year. They are closed on public holidays. Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are must visits when in London.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is both the office and home to the British monarchy. It is also used as a place to hold state banquets and ceremonies. Approximately 300 people live and work at Buckingham. Queen Victoria was the first monarch to live in Buckingham Palace and since then many different monarchs have lived there. It is currently home to Queen Elizabeth the second, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, Princess Anne, and the Duke of York. State rooms are open for public viewing during summer months. The majority of the visitors view Buckingham Palace from The Mall side where the famous guards stand at points along the fence. The changing of the guard occurs every day from May through to July, and then alternating days from August to April. Buckingham Palace is an amazing place to visit.

Tower of London

The Tower of London has a brutal 900 year history. In the past it was the place where traitors and enemies of England were taken to be tortured and executed. Many were sentenced to live in appalling conditions while waiting for their public executing. Many were decapitated and their heads were placed on posts around the area. The Tower of London was a place of fear. Now, the Tower of London is used to hold the crown jewels. Crowns, sceptres, orbs, and swords are all held at the Jewel House, which is a section of the Tower. Most of the jewels date from 1661. The Tower of London is a tourist attraction that allows you to witness both the beauty of the jewels and a very dark history of the Tower.

London Eye

The London Eye is a 135 metre high giant Ferris wheel. It is located on the riverfront of the Thames River. The 70 million pound structure opened in the year 2000. It takes approximately half an hour to complete the full rotation. The view from the top of the London Eye is absolutely breathtaking and is a must thing to do while in London.

Westminister Abbey

Westminister Abbey is the resting place of the British Monarchs. It is also the place where coronations take place, as well as other Royal events such as weddings. Westminister Abbey is an amazing cathedral that has breathtaking architecture. Westminister Abbey is partly open for public viewing and tours take place daily.

Princess Diana Memorial Fountain at Hyde Park

Hyde Park has magnificent gardens and grounds. It is a peaceful and tranquil park that can be visited at will. There is a memorial fountain there that is in memory of Princess Diana. The flowing water is very calming and it is a good place to visit to go and relax.

London Bridge

London Bridge goes over the River Thames. Great place to visit to see the origin place of the song “London Bridge is Falling Down”. Good landmark to visit.

Saint Paul’s Cathedral

During the Great Fire of London of 1666 Saint Paul’s Cathedral was burnt to ruins. It was rebuilt in 1675 and still stands today. The ceilings of the Cathedral are painted with detailed murals. The breathtaking Cathedral is open for viewing to the public throughout the year.

Globe Theatre

The Globe Theatre is where Shakespeare performed his famous plays. The original structure opened in 1599. It was rebuilt and restored in 1997 and that structure still stands. It is open to viewing by the public throughout the year. It is a great place to visit to explore the rich history of the Shakespearean times.

Madame Tussaud’s

Madame Tussaud’s holds many man-made wax figures of famous celebrities. Great place to go for a bit of fun as you can pose with your favourite celebrities. Brilliantly constructed figures fill the rooms and it is a great entertainment place to visit.

National Gallery, British Museum, Natural History Museum, Museum of London, Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Britain, Tate Modern

All of these museums and galleries are rich in history. Wander through the many rooms of painting, statues, etc, and explore the history of Britain. The museums and galleries are open for viewing throughout the year and are great places to visit while in London.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a historic landmark in London. It is a landmark that is a must visit while in London. A statue of Admiral Lord Nelson overlooks the Square. It is a great place to view while in London.

Hampton Court

Hampton Court consists of many historic buildings and gardens. It is a great place to visit while in London. The tranquil environment is very calming and relaxing. It is must view to see the history rich place.

= Travel – How to get around =

Plane

London has five major airports; London Heathrow, London Stansted, London Gatwick, London Luton and London City. London Heathrow Airport is the busiest airport out of the five. It is where most of the international flights go to and from. Heathrow Airport has many facilities available to visitors and it is a highly organised and sophisticated airport.

Train; London Underground

The London Underground system, also known as the tube, has 270 stations. Each station is identified by the Underground logo. Trains run every day except Christmas Day. Trains run from about 5.30am-midnight Monday to Thursday, 5.30am-1am Friday and Saturday, and 6.30am-11.30pm on Sunday. The Underground trains are the best way of transport around London as the vast networks of trains connect to all parts of London.

Taxi

The iconic black taxis operate throughout London. The taxi drivers have to take hard tests about knowledge of London and the traffic routes before they are awarded their license. This means that they are reliable and qualified taxi drivers. The black taxis are an important part of the culture of London.

Bus

The iconic red double Decker buses are an important part of the London culture. They are one of the most recognizable symbols of London. Many routes of these buses operate throughout London. They are a great way to get around and see the sights of London.

= Where to eat – Restaurants and Cafes =

Cafes

E Pellicci – 332 Bethnal Green Road

S&amp;M Cafe – 268 Portobello Road

Cafe Laville – Little Venice Parade, 453 Edgware Road

Monmouth Coffee House – 27 Monmouth Street

Patisserie Valerie – 17 Motcombe Street, Belgravia

Diners

Hamburger Union – 4-6 Garrick Street

Hard Rock Cafe – 150 Old Park Lane

Maxwell’s – 8 James Street

Lucky 7 – 127 Westbourne Park Road

Pizza and Pasta

Pizza Express – 30 Coptic Street

Pollo – 20 Old Compton Street

Ask – 56-60 Wigmore Street

Cafe Pasta – 184 Shaftesbury Avenue

Fish and Chips

Fish! – Borough Market

Faulkner’s – 424-426 Kingsland Road

Fish Central – 149-151 Central Street

North Sea Fish Restaurant – 7-8 Leigh Street

Restaurants

The Cow – 89 Westbourne Park Road

Caffe Caldesi – 118 Marylebone Lane

Mekong – 46 Churton Street

Al Duca – 4-5 Duke of York Street

Wild Honey – 12 Saint George’s Street

Giraffe – Riverside Level 1, Royal Festival Hall

= Tours to go on – What to do =

Premium Tours

Premium Tours offer many different variations of tours around London. Prices vary depending on quality. Friendly and fun.

For more information visit: http://www.premiumtours.co.uk/

The Original Tour

“London’s original and best open-top bus tour.” Friendly and fascinating, a great way to see London.

For more information visit: http://www.theoriginaltour.com/

Golden Tours

Golden Tours offers many different fun tours around London. Friendly and knowledgeable staff.

For more information visit: http://www.goldentours.com/

=  Paris  =

= Top Attractions - Where to go, what to see and what to do =

Eiffel Tower

Eyeful Tower would be a mores suitable name-not only is the Eiffel tower visible from most parts of the city, but the views from the top are fabulous. Yes, it's touristy and yes its, its expensive (if you go to the top), but if you've never done it before, don't miss out on one of the most iconic towers in the world. www.tour-eiffel.fr

Muse Rodin

Best Romantic Garden which can be accessed for just 1 pound, are arguably the most romantic spot in the city. In summer the shrubbery and leaves create screened-off sections that provide plenty of canoodling opportunities.

 Musee Bourdelle

A treasure-trove that contains the artist's old workshop and some spectacular larger-than-life statues which feel like mythological giants about to awake from a 1,000 year slumber. Many were inspired by Greek mythology: Hercules metamorphosing into a bird, a dying centaur writhing in agony, Penelope, who waited 20 years for her husband Ulysses to return and the Colossal horse statue of General Alvear - part of an allegorical monument that was never finished. (During temporary exhibitions there is a 7 pounds charge (3.50 pounds for ages 14-26) for the whole museum). 16-18 Rue Antonine Bourdelle. Tuesday - Sunday 10am-6pm (closed public holidays.) www.bourdelle.paris.fr

Disney Land Paris

In a Magical Kingdom not so far away - somewhere between a place where you wish upon a star and dreams come true - Disney heroes and heroines live in fairytales that are, happily, never ending. www.disneylandparis.co.uk

'Musee Carnavale't - Histoire de Paris

This 15th- and 16th-century Renaissance palace is most closely associated with the letter-writing of Madame de Sevigne, who moved here in 1677 to be with her daughter, and poured out nearly every detail of her life in her correspondence. Nowadays it's a wonderful museum, with 100 rooms telling the story of Paris from its origins to today, with a particularly good section on the Revolution that includes a bust of Marat and the chess set that Louis XVI used to distract himself while waiting to go to the guillotine. In a second building, the Hotel le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau across the courtyard, you'll find furniture from the Louise XIV era to the early 20th century, including a replica of Marcel Proust's cork-lined bedroom containing his actual furniture, and artefacts such as Neolithic pirogues-shallow oak boats used for fishing and transport from about 4400 to 2200bc. (Look out for the refined, intimate classical music concerts held in the garden some weekends.)

Le Petit Palais

Built in 1900 for the World fair and lit entirely by natural light, the "Little Palace" is one of Paris's loveliest fine arts museums, with an extensive collection of works by Ingres, Delacroix Courbet, and the Impressionists, as well as other paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance to 1900.Art Nouveau fans get more than an eyeful in the ground-floor galleries, where whole sections are devoted to Belle Epoque biggies such as Hector Guimard (designer of Paris's iconic metro station entrances), whose entire dining room is reproduced, and the ceramicist Jean Carries, whose grotesque masks and imaginary creatures add an element of fairytale fantasy. (The palace is also a hotspot for world-class exhibitions.)

Ecomusee des Anciennes Carrieres des Capucins

At a depth or 20m below the Hopital Cochin lies part of Paris's 300km underground maze of tunnels created in the 12th century when Capucin monks decided to mine the limestone. A third of the stone for Notre Dame came from here, and the site is also where the world's first champignons de Paris (mushrooms) appeared in the early 1800s after cart drivers flushed their horses dung into the holes. You can visit a small section of the tunnels by emailing SEADACC at the address below, experiencing a fascinating 1.2km topographical journey past wells, fountains and even a stone picnic table.

Musee du Louvre

This former royal palace is so vast you could spend a day in each wing and still not see everything. And its getting even bigger, with a new Islamic Art section set to open at the end of 2010. Like the palace itself, the Louvre's collections developed over the ages and now cover everything from Ancient Egypt to the 19th century. Some 35.000 art treasures are shared between eight huge departments (Oriental, Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan and Roman antiquities, European Paintings and Sculptures, the Decorative and Graphic Arts, and Islamic Arts), set in three vast wings, Sully, Denon and Richelieu. This, of course is where you can see the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, and Da Vinci's smiling lady, the Mona Lisa. But don't just hit the biggies-it's well worth browsing the website beforehand to see which parts interest you most, and perhaps downloading one of the free thematic trails covering a range of subjects from Still Life painting in Northern Europe to the 'Da Vinci Code' (separates the facts from the fiction). www.louvre.fr

Musee Dupuytren

Not for the faint-hearted, this mind blowing but educational museum of horrors was opened in 1835 by the successor of Guillaume Dupuytren, a famous surgeon from the Hotel Dieu hospital and is full of jars containing weird and wonderful body parts gone wrong. More than 6,000 items, pustules, tumours, cysts, hermaphrodite sexual organs, and even a Cyclops foetus-from the 18th to the 20th centuries demonstrate to visitors how doctors once studied and taught medicine.

Espace Dali

A sofa in the form of giant pink lips, an elephant with spindle legs carrying a pyramid on its back, and melting clocks are just some of the bizarre creations that fire the imagination in this small exhibition space, the only permanent Dali collection in France entirely devoted to his extravagant and Surrealist works. Dali's phantasmagorical sculptures often juxtapose the humorous and philosophical messages.

Arc de Triomphe

Like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe is so familiar to Parisians that they forget to visit it. Yet the biggest triumphal arch in the world (about 49m high and 44m wide) has incredible views over much of the city. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate the victories of his Grand Armee, it wasn't completed until 1836, under the reign of Louise-Philippe. Four years later, Napoleon's remains, brought from Saint Helena, passed under the arch on their journey to his tomb at the Hotel de Invalides and since then it has been the focal point for state funerals. It's also the site of the tomb of the Unknown Solider, in whose honour an eternal flame burns. The monument stands 50 metres (164 ft) in height, 45 m (148 ft) wide and 22 m (72 ft) deep. The large vault is 29.19 m (95.8 ft) high and 14.62 m (48.0 ft) wide. http://arc-de-triomphe.monuments-nationaux.fr

Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris and its towers

Notre Dame de Paris, with its slender, Gothic columns, is the flagship of the Catholic Church in France, containing the supposed relics of the True Cross and part of Jesus crown of thorns. If you don't want to just mosey around by yourself, the weekly free guided tours are the best way of learning about its treasures. The cathedral is the realm of Victor Hugo's Hunchback of Notre-Dame, especially the towers, which still contain Quasimodo's famous bell, Le Bourdon. The 397 stairs take you up to a menagerie of gargoyles designed by Viollet-le-Duc and stunning panoramas over the city. www.notredamdeparis.fr

Le Pantheon

The 18th-century Pantheon, located on the crest of the Mont Sainte-Genevieve is the final resting place of such Republican greats as Rousseau, Soufflot, Zola, Braille, and Pierre and Marie Curie (the latter the only woman deemed worthy of being in this 'hall of fame'.)

Sainte-Chapelle

This jewel-box of a mediaeval chapel is one of the most breathtaking mediaeval edifices in the world. Countless writers have tried to describe the 'light show' cast on the interior when the sun shines through the stained-glass windows. The tacky tourist boutiques in the Chapelle Basse (the lower chapel, supported by flying buttresses and ornamented with fleur-de-lis designs, formerly used by the palace servants) brings a nasty 'we want your money' feel to the start of the visit, but upstairs in the King's Chapelle Haute (the upper chapel) the Gothic art is unblemished. On a bright day, its 15 stained-glass windows - some measuring 670m2 - glow with Chartres blue and with deep reds that have inspired the saying 'wine the colour of Sainte-Chapelle's windows. http://sainte-chapelle.monuments

Bois de Boulogne

Paris's 865-hectare lung - a throwback from the days when kings went hunting - is spectacular all year round, with its Longchamp and Auteuil horse-racing grounds, woodlands, and museum (Musee en Herbe) and boating lakes. During the warmer months, don't miss the Parc de Bagatelle, the beautiful result of a bet between Marie-Antoinette and the Comte d'Artois, famed for the splendour of its roses, lilies and daffodils, and boasting an orangery, used by the Chopin society for concerts. Between May and September, the Jardin de Shakespeare (a Shakespeare-themed garden) come alive with the Bard's plays, performed in French and English, and music performances.

= Entertainment - What to see or do =

L 'International

The already cool 11th district got a little cooler when this joint opened - a breath of fresh air for music-lovers with its free entry and a string of on-the-up bands playing to hip indie crowds. Beer is a steal at 3 Euros, and once a month there's an after-show party 'til 4am. 5/7 Rue Moret. www.linternational.fr

Cinema en Plein Air

Held at the Parc de la Villette. Prairie du Triangle, 211 Ave.

Le Kiosque Theatre

Place de la Madeleine. (Sells half-price tickets for same-night shows.)

Trophees du Sunside (Jazz awards)

Sunset &amp; Sunside, 60 Rue des Lombards. www.sunset-sunside.com

Le Pont des Artiste sur France Inter Maison de Radio France, 116 Ave. Du President Kennedy.

Petit Palais - (Classical Music Lunch)

12.30-1.30pm, October-June).

Opera Garnier - (Best Ballet)

Open daily 10am-5pm with guided visits in English, 11.30am and 2.30pm on Wednesdays. The cities giant wedding cake and inspiration behind Leroux's Phantom of the Opera is a masterpiece of Napoleon 111-style architecture, with a domed rood, gilt statues, and Carpeaux's famous sculpture La Danse on the facade. The interior is like a fairytale castle, with marble staircases, imposing statues, and painted ceilings, including one, on the amphitheatre's central vaulted ceiling. The roof is home to thousands of bees, and after touring the building or before a show you can buy some of the Opera's honey in its shop. www.operadeparis.fr

Batofar

Hip Batofar, occupying a converted light-house barge on the Seine, sometimes attracts hundreds of gyrating dancers following the invited DJs. Come here for an insight into late-night Paris at its most raffish and countercultural, and don't even try to categorise the patrons. 11 Quai Francois Mauriac. Free-12 pounds depending on which DJs are playing. Monday-Saturday 11pm-6am.

La Bellevilloise

This multidisciplinary venue, has several bars, two restaurants, a club, an exhibition space and a concert hall where some of Paris's most exciting bands have been launched. 19 Rue Boyer. www.labellevilloise.com. Wednesday - Friday 5.30pm-2am, Saturday and Sunday 11am-2am.

Best free Dance classes

From June to September the banks of the Seine below the Institute du Monde Arabe become an openair dance floor for wannabe dirty-dancers who come to learn salsa, Argentinean tango and rock 'n' roll. http://tangoargentineric.site.volila.fr

Best free Haircuts

156 Blvd. Saint-German.

Le Grand Rex

From the outside this place looks like an Art Deco wedding cake, while inside it's like a fairytale theatre, with three tiers and a starlit ceiling (it frequently doubles as a concert hall). The blockbuster programming usually includes big French films and Hollywood action movies that let rip on the (very) big screen. www.legrandrex.com

Le Bout

This theatre school has made it its business to prove to the French-speaking world that comedy is as noble an art-form as serious drama. It's not an easy task, but it pulls it off with a quality spread of one-man-show artists, who perform more than 30 funny shows a week. www.lebout.com

'Theatre National de Challio't

Few other stages in Paris dare to show such radical modern dance performances as the Challiot, making it a must for fans du movement. www.theatre-chaillot.fr

Conservatoire National de Region de Paris

The national Conservatoire serves us no less than 300 free shows a year-that's almost one a day (for limited numbers). In December, there are also open days in the Theatre des Abbesses or Theatre de la Ville. www.cnr-paris.com

Academie Fratellini

A quality circus extravaganza for absolutely zip-what more could we want? The resident troupes and apprentices get together for free shows directed by professionals once a month. There are also regular professional spectacles that won't break the bank. www.academie-fratellini.com

Le Crazy Horse de Paris

The most risque of them all: 18 lookalike dancers slink around the stage clad only in rainbow light and strategic strips of black tape. Their names are as provocative as their attire (Flamma Rose and Nooka Caramel). The numbers are satisfying tantalising yet somehow always manage to stay on the right side ofgood taste. www.crazyhorse.fr

Parc Asterix

Just 30km north of Paris, France's home-grown Asterix the Gaul theme-park is lesser known than Disneyland Paris and much cheaper. It's also much more charming, defining its attractive with true Gaulois spirit, down to the last Wild Boar burger. Thrill-seekers will find bigger stomach-churning rides here than at Disney, including the gravity-defying Tonnere de Zeus, the biggest wooden rollercoaster in Europe with a vertical 30m drop. Younger kids squirm to get wet on Le Grand Splatch log-flume, and a jamboree of quality shows add to the experience, including wonderful dancing dolphins in the Theatre de Poseidon and amusing acrobatics and antics inside the Roman Circus. Food is reassuringly French look out the Relais Gaullois canteen, where you can "get-ya-fix" on three 'coursixs' for around 15 Euros. www.parcastix.fr

Ice Skating at the Palais Omnisports

The grassy knoll in Bercy (AKA the Omnisports arena), open Wednesdays and weekends for skaters of all levels, is incredibly cheap for families and teenagers can also skate 'til late on Fridays and Saturdays.

Pari-Roller

Its 9.30pm on a Friday night and a few skaters are pulling on their wheels at the base of the Montparnasse tower. Half an hour later, around 15,000 of them whizz off for a 30km sprint around Paris that lasts until 1am. Thus goes the online introduction to Pari-Roller-and its true down to a T (I watch them out of my lounge window!). www.pari-roller.com

Base Nautique de Choisy-le-Roi

Just 10 min from Paris by RER lies this slice of country life: A huge lake where you can learn canoeing, kayaking and windsailing. (You'll need two passport photos and proof that you can swim 50m to enrol. No reservations are taken, so turn up at least 20 min beforehand.)

Au Fou Rire

If you're looking for wigs, false moustaches, vampire teeth, or other sillies, this is one of the cheapest party places in town. For those who want to go the whole hog, more than 3,000 costumes await upstairs.

= Tours to go on - What to do =

Fat Tire Bike Tours

Despite sticking to touristy routes, Fat Tire's tours attract Paris rookies and veterans alike. The 4-hour day tour takes you past the big monuments; the 4-hour night tour is better value, allowing you to see the Eiffel Tower twinkle and including a free boat trip along the Seine and a complimentary glass of wine. http://classicwalksparis.com

Paris walks 

Chocoholics rejoice-Paris Walks' latest addition takes you to a selection of Paris's best chocolates and provides ample tasting opportunities. For tours where you burn rather than consume calories, check the monthly programme online. Walks tend to be history-orientated and focus on areas such as the Latin Quarter, the Marais, the lle de la Cite, and Pere-Lachaise cemetery, but there are also themed tours such as Art Nouveau Paris, the Saint-Denis Basilica and Jefferson's or Hemingway's Paris. You don't need to book in advance for standard walks won't run if there aren't sufficient bookings. Bring a brolly-Paris Walkers are come-rain-or-shiners. www.paris-walks.com

Bois de Boulogne

Paris's 865-hectare lung - a throwback from the days when kings went hunting - is spectacular all year round, with its Longchamp and Auteuil horse-racing grounds, woodlands, and museum (Musee en Herbe) and boating lakes. During the warmer months, don't miss the Parc de Bagatelle, the beautiful result of a bet between Marie-Antoinette and the Comte d'Artois, famed for the splendour of its roses, lilies and daffodils, and boasting an orangery, used by the Chopin society for concerts. Between May and September, the Jardin de Shakespeare (a Shakespeare-themed garden) come alive with the Bard's plays, performed in French and English, and music performances.

Aquarium de la Cite des Sciences et I'Industrie

La Villette's futuristic science museum hides this quaint little aquarium two floors below ground level, with 200 species of fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and vegetation from the Mediterranean coast flourishing alongside stingrays, eels, sharks, starfish and sea urchins. www.cite-sciences.fr

Cine Aqua Paris's state-of-the-art aquarium plunges us deep into the heart of ocean life, thanks to huge tanks (the biggest in France) full of shimmering fish, eels, seahorses, lobsters, and other creatures, including 30 fearsome-looking sharks. The best part is the bassins caresses (touch pools) where the koi carp and sturgeons come up to nibble your fingers. The tanks are interspersed with cinema screens showing animal documentaries and cartoons. www.cineaqua.com

= Travel - How to get around =

By plane

Paris is an international hub with both low-cost and major airlines flying to its to main airports: Aeroport Roissy CDG (Charles de Gaulee) 23km north of the city and the Aeroport d'Orly, 14km to the south. www.aerioportsdeparis.fr A third airport, the Aeroport de Beauvais www.aeroportbeauvais.com, a 1hf 15min drive (80km) north or Paris, is used by the low-cost airlines Ryanair and Blue Islands.

Getting to and from the airports cheaply

Roissy CDG - Air France runs coaches between central Paris and Roissy CDG, but you pay for the luxury. Taking the RER B to CDG airport can be cumbersome if you have a lot of luggage, but it's fast usually under 45 min.

= Where to eat and drink - Resturants, Cafes and Bars =

Les Ambassadeurs

Dining at the Crillon's Michelin-starred restaurant, run by chef Jean-Francois Piege, is like eating in a fairytale castle. The walls are marble, the chandeliers sparkle like diamonds, and gilded cherubs keep watch over the doorways. The food is quite simply outstanding-foie gras, lobster, duck and caviar, reworked with modern flair-while the wine list reads like it has come from Bacchus's personal wine cellar. Reservations are recommended. Hotel Crillon, 10 Place de la Concorade. www.crillon.com Tuesday-Saturday midday-2pm, 7.30-10pm.

La Chope

Who ever said there was no such thing as a free dinner has never been to La Choppe on Friday and Saturday nights from 8.30pm, when Samir, the honourable owner, serves lashings of flavourful Moroccan couscous (with all the trimmings) to anyone who's bought a drink (around 4 pounds.) Its immensely popular so get here at least an hour in advance - 40 Rue de Clignancourt.

La Cordonnerie

A fave for the young crowd who fight for elbow room and listen to the occasional concert while tucking into free couscous and sauces doled out in large portions most Thursday and Saturday nights at 8.30pm. The beer is dirt-cheap too - 142 Rue Saint-Denis.

La Mosaique

Sells hotdogs for 2.50 pounds day and night.

Chibby's Diner

Is a cool, 1950s-style diner off the beaten track, with lip-smackingly good burgers at seriously affordable prices. 9 Rue Jaucourt. www.restaurant-chibbysdiner-paris.com Monday 8.30am-6pm, Tuesday-Friday 8.30am-11pm, Saturday 10am-midnight.

Laduree's

Sweet soft pistachio paste marbled with rich chocolate, enveloped in fluffy, sugary pastry. Not only superlatively delicious, they're surprisingly affordable at 2.70 pounds.

Rouge Passion

This wine bar is a hip, romantic joint. 14 Rue Jean-Baptiste Pigalle. www.rouge-passion.fr Wine bar: Tuesday-Saturday 7pm-midnight, restaurant Monday - Friday midday-2.30pm, 7-10.30pm, Saturday 7-10.30pm.

Leon de Bruxelles

30 Blvd. Des Italiens. Daily 11.45am-midnight (1am Fridays, 2am Saturdays.) www.leon-de-bruxelles.fr

Chez Prosper

The atmosphere is buzzing, the service quick, the food excellent - think steak 'n' fries and massive salads - and the bill never, ever unpleasant. 7 Ave.du Trone. Daily 8am-1am.

Flamingo

Not only are the Pink's recipes quirky, they're put together with some of the best, freshest ingredients around, and the bases are baked with organic flour. If you choose to picnic by the river, take a pink helium balloon with you and wait for the delivery boy to locate you (pizzas cost 1 pound less this way too. 105 Rue Vieille du Temple or 67 Rue Bichat. Tuesday-Saturday midday - 3pm, 7-11.30pm (until 11pm for deliveries), Sunday 1-11pm. www.pinkflamingo.com

Le Peres Populaires

Off the beaten track, on the far side of nation, could this den of cool be the cheapest bar in Paris? The quaffable wine is jus 2 pounds a glass, beer is 2.40 pounds. If that's not cool enough, perhaps the decor will be - a retro cross between a 1970s canteen and a classroom. 46 Rude de Buzenval. Daily 8am-22.25am (until 1.45 weekends.) www.myspace.com/perespopulaires.

Cafe du Commerce

This laid-back three-storey restaurant close to the Eiffel Tower is good fun for families with children of all ages thanks to its retractable glass roof that lets in the sunshine on a summer's day. Plenty of steak and chips, egg mayonnaise and delicious fruit tarts feature on the carte, and there's a kiddies menu also. www.lecafeducommerce.com

Le Bar

You may well have been here before. Who knows? You won't remember. Le Bar is the sort of place you end up in at 3am, ordering yet another glass exceedingly strong stuff and striking up slurred conversations with inconnus. When it gets too much, the comfy banquettes are perfect for falling asleep on. If you're looking for a strange trip into the belly of nocturnal Paris, Le Bar is waiting...

Le Crocodile

More than 300 cocktails are on offer in this narrow bar, drawing a young crowd from the surrounding Latin Quarter universities. The Happy Hour finishes at midnight (it starts at 10pm when the joint opens) and generously lets you have almost anything you fancy from the cocktail list (even the champagne ones) for just 6 Euros.

Grevin

France's kitsch version of Madame Tussaud's lets children get up-close and personal with more than 300 wax figures of international stars, artists, sporting greats and historical figures, from Einstein to Barack Obama, from Michael Jackson to Charles de Gaulle, and from Mozart to Britney Spears. Don't miss the Palais de Mirages-an eerie hall of mirrors built for the 1900 World Fair and saved by the museum in 1906-and 'Tout Paris', a sumptuous Belle Epoque theatre (one of the best preserved in Paris) full of waxwork stars such as Celine Dion, Monica Bellucci and Elton John. Perhaps most educational is snapshots of the 20th century', where historical moments such as Armstrong walking on the moon and the fall of the Berlin Wall are recreated.

=  Rome  =

Rome is one of the most history-steeped cities in the world. Rome dates back to the 9th century BC, making it one of the most history-steeped cities in the world. Rome is built on the 7 ancient hills, and those 7 ancient hills are Quirinal Hill, Palatine Hill, Esquiline Hill, Aventine Hill, Caelian Hill, Viminale Hill, and Capitoline Hill.

Colosseum

The Coliseum is probably the most impressive building of the Roman empire. The Colosseum's original Latin name was Amphitheatrum Flavium, often anglicized as Flavian Amphitheater. The building was constructed by emperors of the Flavian dynasty, hence its original name, after the reign of Emperor Nero. This name is still used in modern English, but generally the structure is better known as the Colosseum. In antiquity, Romans may have referred to the Colosseum by the unofficial name Amphitheatrum Caesareum; this name could have been strictly poetic as it was not exclusive to the Colosseum; Vespasian and Titus, builders of the Colosseum, also constructed an amphitheater of the same name in Puteoli (modern Pozzuoli)

Castel Sant'Angelo

The Mausoleum of Hadrian, usually known as the Castel Sant'Angelo, is a towering cylindrical building in Rome, Italy. It was initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. The building was later used by the popes as a fortress and castle, and is now a museum.

Catacombs

The Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo (also Catacombe dei Cappuccini or Catacombs of the Capuchins) are burial catacombs in Palermo, Sicily, southern Italy. Today they provide a somewhat macabre tourist attraction as well as an extraordinary historical record. Palermo’s Capuchin monastery outgrew its original cemetery in the 16th century and monks began to excavate crypts below it. In 1599 they mummified one of their number, recently-dead brother Silvestro of Gubbio, and placed him into the catacombs. The bodies were dehydrated on the racks of ceramic pipes in the catacombs and sometimes later washed with vinegar. Some of the bodies were embalmed and others enclosed in sealed glass cabinets. Monks were preserved with their everyday clothing and sometimes with ropes they had worn as a penance. Originally the catacombs were intended only for the dead friars. However, in the following centuries it became a status symbol to be entombed into the Capuchin catacombs. In their wills, local luminaries would ask to be preserved in certain clothes, or even to have their clothes changed at regular intervals. Priests wore their clerical vestments, others were clothed according to the contemporary fashion. Relatives would visit to pray for the deceased and also to maintain the body in presentable condition. The catacombs were maintained through the donations of the relatives of the deceased. Each new body was placed in a temporary niche and later placed into a more permanent place. As long as the contributions continued, the body remained in its proper place but when the relatives did not send money any more, the body was put aside on a shelf until they continued to pay.

National Roman Museum

The National Museum of Rome, which possesses one of the world's most important archaeological collections, is housed in three different facilities: the Baths of Diocletian, which include the Octagonal Hall, the Palazzo Massimo, and the Palazzo Altemps.The complex restructuring and renovation effort is partially completed, but work is still under way. For this reason, only a portion of the Museum's exhibitions can currently be visited. The historic headquarters of the Museum is the Baths complex built by Diocletian between the last years of the third century A.D. (the dedicatory inscription dated 306 A.D. is conserved in a fragmentary state in the Museum).

The building of the Baths

The largest in the ancient world, included many rooms besides the traditional calidarium, tepidarium and frigidarium-which were designed to hold 3,000 people at the same time. There was a natatio or frigidarium for swimmers (large open air swimming pool) and various other rooms, meeting rooms, libraries, nympheums, dressing rooms, concert rooms and rooms for physical exercises etc.

Trevi Fountain

The Fontana di Trevi or Trevi Fountain is the most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome. This impressive monument dominates the small Trevi square located in the Quirinale district.

St. Peter's Basilica

This great building is the centre of Christianity. The opulence of the building's interior bears testimony to the wealth of the catholic church in the 16th century.

Rome's Pantheon

The temple of all the gods, was built between AD 118-125 by Emperor Hadrian. In the 7th century it was made into a church by early Christians and now is lined with tombs. Go inside to see the spectacular dome. Admission is free. The Pantheon is the best preserved building of ancient Rome and today is surrounded by a pleasant and lively piazza, a nice place to sit in the evening and enjoy a drink. A good nearby restaurant is Armando's, on a street coming off the piazza.

Roman Forum

The ancient Roman Forum is a huge complex of ruined temples, basilicas, and arches. It was the ceremonial, legal, social, and business center of ancient Rome (The food stalls and brothels were removed in the second century BC). To get a good view, walk up the Capitoline Hill behind the museums. Give yourself at least 2 hours to wander around. Admission is charged as of March 9, 2008

Capitoline Hill

Alazzo Nuovo, with Greek and Roman sculptures, and the Palazzo dei Conservatori, with art galleries, sculptures, and frescoes. One ticket gives you admission to both. Just like in ancient Rome, the hill still has the best view of Rome's center.

Piazza Navona

Originally built as a stadium in the first century for athletic contests and chariot races, Piazza Navona is now lined with luxurious cafes and is the home to three lavish Baroque fountains. The much-touted ice-cream dessert, tartufo, is said to have originated here and you can still try it in the cafes as a splurge.

The Palatine Hill

The emperors and aristocrats of ancient Rome lived on the Palatine Hill starting in the first century BC. The Domus Flavia and Domus Augustana, built in the first century AD, were the official residence of the emperors for over 300 years. Admission also includes the Palatine Museum.

Baths of Diocletian

The Baths of Diocletian, once covering 32 acres, were the largest public baths or thermae in ancient Rome. Although much of the original structure has been destroyed, remains of the baths are now part of the National Roman Museum. Several painted tombs have been moved and reconstructed inside the baths. They can be seen when you visit the baths, open every day except Monday.

Baths of Caracalla

At the foot of the Aventine hill are the monumental ruins of the Baths of Caracalla, used from the Second to Sixth century AD. Taking a bath was a social event for the people of ancient Rome and the huge complex could hold up to 1600 bathers! Besides baths, they held an array of facilities such as a gym, art galleries, gardens, and shops selling food and drinks.

Via Appia and Catacombs

In the first century Rome's Christians did not have their own cemeteries.If they owned land, they buried their relatives there, otherwise they resorted to common cemeteries, where pagans too were buried. That is how Saint Peter came to be buried in the great public "necropolis" ("city of the dead") on Vatican Hill, available to everybody. Likewise Saint Paul was buried in a necropolis along the Via Ostiense.

Ostia Antica-

The ruins of the ancient Rome port of Ostia Antica, accessible from Rome by public transportation, are well worth a visit. It is a huge complex and you can easily spend several hours wandering around the old streets, shops, and houses. You should plan at least a half day for this trip. To get there, take the Metro Line B to Magliana and take the Ostia Lido train from there.